The U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals Blocks President Obama’s Executive Orders on Immigration

November 10, 2015

WASHINGTON, D.C.– The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals in a 2-to-1 decision upheld a lower court’s injunction on the implementation of the Deferred Action for Parental Accountability (DAPA) and the expanded Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) programs, pending a final decision on the constitutionality of the executive orders. The practical effect of the court’s decision is that the issue will likely not be resolved during the remaining months of the Obama Administration, and any chance of implementation will depend upon the next administration's resolve to continue the programs and the U.S. Supreme Court ultimately ruling that the programs are in fact constitutional.

In response to Monday’s decision, LULAC National President Roger C. Rocha Jr., issued the following statement:

“We are disappointed with the decision because it continues to deny qualified individuals the benefits of DAPA and expanded DACA programs. We urge the U.S. Supreme Court to take up this case on an expedited basis and rule on the constitutionality of the programs. The fate of millions of hard working immigrants hangs in the balance. These individuals deserve an opportunity to enjoy the benefits of the Administration’s policies on immigration.”

The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) is the nation’s largest and oldest civil rights volunteer-based organization that empowers Hispanic Americans and builds strong Latino communities. Headquartered in Washington, DC, with 1,000 councils around the United States and Puerto Rico, LULAC’s programs, services and advocacy address the most important issues for Latinos, meeting critical needs of today and the future. For more information, visit www.LULAC.org, www.LULAC.org/facebook, and www.LULAC.org/twitter.