CAPAC Immigration Leaders on Texas v. United States Ruling

Washington, D.C. - Today, Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) Chair Rep. Judy Chu and CAPAC Immigration Task Force Chair Rep. Mike Honda spoke with key Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) press and community leaders to discuss the effect of the State of Texas v. United States preliminary ruling on the expanded Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program and the Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents (DAPA) program. Rep. Chu and Rep. Honda released the following statements:  

Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-27), CAPAC Chair:

“While I am deeply disappointed by the court decision in Texas, this is just a temporary setback. The President’s immigration actions are legally sound and morally right. In fact, every president since Eisenhower—regardless of political party—has used their executive authority to set priorities in immigration enforcement.

“CAPAC's message to the AAPI community is clear: we will not give up. We will not let this hateful lawsuit deter millions of aspiring Americans from preparing to apply to the expanded DACA and DAPA programs once this case is resolved. This includes the nearly 400,000 Asians and Pacific Islanders who stand to benefit from these programs.

“Our future is, as it has always been, in fixing our broken immigration system so that all who contribute to our country will continue to have a shot at the American dream. Along with my colleagues in CAPAC, I will continue to fight until the executive action on immigration becomes a reality.” 

Congressman Mike Honda (CA-17), CAPAC Immigration Task Force Chair:

“I strongly disagree with the ruling by a Texas judge that will temporarily delay the implementation of President Obama’s executive action on immigration. But this temporary setback will not stop us from getting families ready for DACA and DAPA. We must continue the work of educating families and individuals in our communities, and make sure those who are eligible will apply immediately when the time comes.

“DACA and DAPA will help thousands of members of the AAPI community come out of the shadows and become full members of our society. This is the right thing for us to do from both a humanitarian and economic standpoint. I stand behind the President and look forward to the day that we have full comprehensive immigration reform.”

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The Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) is comprised of Members of Congress of Asian and Pacific Islander descent and Members who have a strong dedication to promoting the well-being of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. Currently chaired by Congresswoman Judy Chu, CAPAC has been addressing the needs of the AAPI community in all areas of American life since it was founded in 1994.