The case involves the constitutionality of President Obama’s “DAPA” program, which allows undocumented parents of U.S. Citizens to get a work permit and Social Security card.
The court will also look at “DACA,” the program that delays deportation for people brought to the U.S. as children.
It also allows for work permits.
Ariana Galindo, 19, is an activist with the Coalition for Human Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles, which is also known as CHIRLA.
She traveled to D.C. to rally with thousands of others on the steps of the Supreme Court in hopes of winning a reprieve for her parents, who came to the U.S. 25 years ago.
“So, it would really really affect all of us, education wise and emotionally,” Galindo says. “It’s inhumane. Just because your parents are immigrants they take them away from you heartlessly and they separate you from the ones you love.”
A 4-4 split on the high court would leave the anti-immigrant appellate ruling in place. The court could also decide to delay hearing the case until a ninth justice is appointed, a process that will likely be put off until after the election.
CHIRLA is also holding a rally this morning at the federal building in Los Angeles.
Organizing director Antonio Bernabe says if they lose this round, the Latino community will redouble its efforts to elect a Democrat in November who will put forth a candidate that would tilt the high court to the left.
“We have more to lose, so we have to go into the elections to work hard, move the Latino vote, and be sure that no Republican is going into the White House,” he says.
About 4 million people stand to benefit if DAPA and extended DACA go into effect a ,million in California alone. If the Supreme Court doesn’t wait for a ninth justice, a ruling is expected in June.
