LULAC SUPPORTS THE SUPREME COURT DECISION AFFIRMING THAT ONLY THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT HAS AUTHORITY OVER IMMIGRATION ISSUES. INDICTED TEXAS ATTORNEY GENERAL KEN PAXTON LOSES AGAIN!
Nation's Oldest and Largest Latino Civil Rights Organization Calls for Good Judgement, Oversight, and Measure of Compassion in Implementing Policy
June 23, 2023
For more information, contact David Cruz at (818) 689-9991
davidcruz@lulac.org
Washington, DC - The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) commends the 8-1 Supreme Court decision that effectively reverses the actions of a Texas federal judge. The ruling allows the Biden Administration to revive guidelines by which undocumented immigrants can be deported based on their danger to public safety in the United States. This decision represents a step forward in establishing a comprehensive immigration system that prioritizes the well-being and security of our nation.
"We are very pleased and encouraged by the court ruling because it recognizes federal supremacy over immigration matters," says Domingo Garcia, LULAC national president. "Texas and Florida Republican governors and attorneys general need to stop using immigrants as political piñatas by passing state unconstitutional, fear-mongering immigration bills," adds Garcia.
The immigration enforcement guidelines were initially issued in 2021. They were designed to prioritize "national security, public safety, and border security." The regulations grant Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents discretion in determining the necessity of enforcement actions. Supporters say these guidelines create a balance between maintaining safety and respecting the rights of individuals. That means Texas loses another lawsuit costing the state's taxpayers millions of dollars.
Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr., Justice Brett M. Kavanaugh, and the court's three liberal members, Justices Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan, and Ketanji Brown Jackson, wrote the majority opinion. Justices Clarence Thomas, Neil M. Gorsuch, and Amy Coney Barrett agreed with the majority but did not adopt its reasons. Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr. opposed the decision.
Texas and Louisiana launched a legal challenge against these guidelines. They argued that the regulations allowed many immigrants with criminal records to remain free as their cases are heard. Also, state criminal justice systems are overloaded. Plus, federal law mandates detentions. However, some immigration advocates contend that the guidelines provide agents with excessive discretion without a clearly defined plan for accountability.
Lydia Guzman, LULAC National Immigration Chair, expressed, "This ruling comes at a time when immigration is short-staffed and has limited resources. This doesn't mean that immigration will stop doing its job; it simply means that immigration should prioritize their efforts to deport those that threaten public safety."
The reinstatement of these deportation guidelines aligns with LULAC's commitment to promoting a fair and just immigration system that upholds the values of compassion, safety, and respect for human rights. By focusing deportation efforts on individuals who pose a genuine threat to public safety, we can redirect valuable resources toward addressing the root causes of migration and providing support to those seeking refuge from perilous circumstances.
LULAC urges the Biden Administration to implement these revised guidelines promptly to ensure the deportation process becomes unbiased and ethical. We must acknowledge the contributions and potential of immigrants while safeguarding the well-being of our communities.
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