Today, the U.S. Supreme Court announced its decision to deny the rehearing of the United States v. Texas case. The following is a statement by César J. Blanco, interim director for Latino Victory Fund:
“Today the Supreme Court once again let politics stand in the way of justice. The Supreme Court’s decision to deny the rehearing of U.S. v. Texas in front of a fully staffed court is inexcusable. This should be a no-brainer, the appropriate course of action is for the full bench – a court of 9 justices – to reconsider this case; there is simply too much at stake for our country and for millions of immigrants and mixed status families, to allow a non-decision by a split 8 person court stand.
This could’ve all been avoided if the Senate did their job. As we speak, Republicans in the Senate refuse to give President Obama’s Supreme Court nominee, Judge Merrik Garland, a fair hearing and confirmation because they’d rather play politics with the court than fulfill their Constitutional duty and replace the late Justice Scalia. That’s why we’re calling on the Senate to stop fooling around and take action now to restore the full court and allow them to do their work.
“We are 36 days away from the elections, and the stakes keep getting higher for Latino and immigrant families. Both in the courts and in Congress, Republicans have attacked us and succeeded at stalling any and all progress to protect our families, leaving millions in limbo and fearing deportation. On November 8th we must come out in full force and hold Republicans accountable, sending a strong message demanding respect and action.
“This should serve as a reminder that Donald Trump isn’t the only danger at the ballot box on election day. While the next President will nominate Supreme Court Justices who will determine the future of DAPA and DACA+, the next Congress will determine the fate of immigration reform. That’s why we must elect Hillary Clinton as our next President, and also elect a Congress who will work with her to protect DACA and DAPA, and pass immigration reform with a path to citizenship, granting ultimate relief for millions of families.”
