June 18, 2020
For Immediate Release
Contact: info@undocublack.org
WASHINGTON, DC - A DACA decision is in from the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS). In a 5-4 decision, SCOTUS ruled against Trump, finding that the decision to rescind DACA was “arbitrary and capricious lawmaking,” The ruling reverses the Trump administration’s termination of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) in 2017.
SCOTUS ruling says, "The dispute before the Court is not whether DHS may rescind DACA. All parties agree that it may. The dispute is instead primarily about the procedure the agency followed in doing so. Because the DACA program is more than a non-enforcement policy, its rescission is subject to review under the APA. And because it was reviewable under the APA, "total rescission was arbitrary and capricious." The Supreme Court decided that DACA should return to the original mandate set in 2012. This mandate provides DACA recipients with work authorization and temporary relief from deportation. The SCOTUS decision requires DHS to begin accepting initial applications and advance parole applications but we do not know whether the Trump administration will take action limiting these options.
While we await further clarification, let’s celebrate! This is a win for our communities. It is a win that comes on the eve of Juneteenth also known as freedom day, honoring that on June 19, 1865, Black freed people told America they were free. We stand united with Black communities across the nation, and will continue to push against the added enforcement and criminalization of our communities. In the age of Black Lives Matter, UBN declares that reform of systems that criminalize Black communities is not the end! We will continue to fight for justice and dignity for our ENTIRE community.
Below are some of the thoughts from UndocuBlack community members:
“So many of us have been fighting and waiting with bated breath for years now. This decision is definitely not the end all be all but we can finally have some relief. Now we need permanent status for all undocumented people!” - Chanelle, DACA Recipient
“While we are celebrating today the victory for some of our community members, we are still building towards the day when we can all be free. Freedom is not citizenship for Black people, the paper only legitimizes our presence. We look forward to dismantling the systems that oppress us and rebuilding a future where all undocumented Black people get true justice. This fight does not end here. #DefundICE #DefundCBP #DefundPolice" - Patrice Lawrence, co-director, UndocuBlack
“I'm excited at this victory for 600,000 DACA recipients like me who now know with more certainty what the next two years can hold for us! Now for legislation that is inclusive of our parents, all 11 Million Undocumented immigrants who call this country home and future immigrants who will and continue to migrate to the US." - Ronnie James, DACA Recipient, UBN NYC Chapter lead
“Since November every Monday has been an anxious start to the week - kept feeling like a decision in favor of DACA ending would happen and life as I know it would end. It's a huge relief but still feel like there's just an extension on our expiration date. I've told my story over and over in the past 3 years and been in the House galley when the Dream and Promise Act was passed. The feeling of gratitude and relief seems temporary and will only be solidified with the passing of actual legislation. I'm grateful, anxious and hopeful.” - Mwewa Sumbwe, DACA Recipient, UBN DMV Chapter lead
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