The Supreme Court heard oral arguments in United States v. Texas. While lawyers presented their arguments before the eight Justices inside, on the outside families, advocates, immigrants, faith groups, and a wide range of civil rights and community organizations gathered to demonstrate support for the President’s initiatives. The thousands of supporters in attendance overshadowed the handful of counter-protesters by sheer numbers and energy with songs, chants, and individual stories over the three-hour period leading up to and during the Supreme Court session.
Many who would be eligible for DAPA or expanded DACA traveled from across the country to share their stories at the Fight for Families Rally. They spoke about what it means to live in fear of deportation and what it would mean for their families to stay together and support themselves. They were joined by national and Congressional leaders, including Sens. Richard Durbin (IL) and Bob Menedez (NJ), and Reps. Joaquin Castro (TX) and Jan Schakowsky (IL), rallying the supportive crowd that echoed their calls for justice and family unity.
One of the stars of the day was six-year-old Sophie, who became famous last fall when she caught the attention of the Pope and handed him a letter, in which she asked for protection for her parents. This morning, she announced to the crowd, “I have the right to live with my parents. I have the right to live without fear. I have the right to be happy.”
Inside the Court, individuals who will be impacted by the Court’s decision were in attendance along with immigrant rights’ advocates who shared what they heard in the courtroom.
Melissa Crow of the American Immigration Council shared that “much of the argument focused on whether Texas really has standing—a sufficient stake in the outcome of the case to file a lawsuit. The arguments highlighted the fact that this is a political dispute about enforcement policies, not the type of legal dispute that should be before the Supreme Court.” She added “Texas’ arguments on standing were unconvincing.”
Crow also noted that the Supreme Court could easily rule against Texas to avoid setting a precedent where states could begin to “flood the courts with lawsuits based on all kinds of political disagreements between States and the federal government.”
While media reports indicate the court was evenly divided in their questioning, it’s very difficult to predict the outcomes of a case based on oral arguments.
Beth Werlin, Executive Director of the American Immigration Council who also attended the session said “the lawyers arguing for the deferred action initiatives made a convincing case that the law and the Constitution are on our side. As expected, the Justices asked probing questions to both sides, demonstrating they understand the high stakes involved this case.”
Much is at stake in this case, not the least of which are the lives of the individuals who could qualify for these initiatives, and the Justices seemed to acknowledge that. However, they also seem mindful of the dangerous precedent that could be set it states are allowed to bring their political disagreements with the federal government before the court. A decision from the high court is expected in June of 2016.
FILED UNDER: featured, Supreme Court
