Costa Says DACA and DAPA are Commonsense Policies That Keep Families Together

Washington, D.C. – Today, Rep. Jim Costa (CA-16) released the following statement on the U.S. v. Texas oral arguments. The Supreme Court is hearing oral arguments on expanded Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents (DAPA).

“It has been nearly three years since the Senate passed bipartisan Comprehensive Immigration Reform, and House Republicans failed to pass the commonsense legislation that would have kept families together and moved our country forward. Unfortunately, today, we are hearing more partisan rhetoric surrounding the President’s executive actions which were taken as a result of Republicans’ inaction.

“By implementing Deferred Action for Parents of Americans (DAPA) and expanding Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), the President used his executive authority to act within existing laws, and it is my hope that after the Supreme Court hears today’s oral arguments, we will be one step closer to fixing our nation’s chaotic and broken immigration system. Let us never forget that the United States is a nation of hard working immigrants, and DACA and DAPA are commonsense policies that will enable individuals to live out of the shadows and make positive contributions to our society and economy.

“The bottom line is that Congress must pass bipartisan and commonsense Comprehensive Immigration Reform. Families depend upon it, and so does the future of our country.”