Today the U.S. Supreme Court will hear oral arguments on the lawsuit concerning President Barack Obama’s 2014 executive action which, if implemented, would expand economic opportunity for millions of unauthorized immigrants across the nation, including 30,000 in Minnesota.
In November 2014, Obama introduced an executive action that included the expansion of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and the creation of the new Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents (DAPA). These allow undocumented immigrants who came into the country as children, as well as parents of U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents, to request relief from deportation and receive work permits that would last for three years.
The executive action recognizes the contributions these residents make to their local communities and economies, and would keep families together who already call the United States their home. His action also would provide an economic boost by strengthening the country’s workforce, as young people who grew up here could further their educations and careers, and workers could increase their earnings through jobs that better match their skills. As a result, it’s estimated that full implementation of DACA and DAPA could improve the Minnesota economy by $1.7 billion over ten years.
The lawsuit involving 26 states that delayed implementation of this executive action nationwide will be heard by the U.S. Supreme Court today. A decision is expected to be made by June.
Obama’s executive action is a common-sense way to provide a more stable status to immigrants living in our communities. Our communities and our economy would benefit.