"Offering lawyers to immigrants facing deportation is a worthwhile way to spend public money"

Dreams for a better life – one out of the shadows with the promise of greater economic vitality for individuals and the region as a whole – were deferred today. The Supreme Court of the United States ruled 4-4 on the Obama Administration’s immigration executive actions that would have expanded Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and created Deferred Action for Parents of Americans (DAPA). The United States v. Texas case will now be sent back to the Texas district court to determine whether the programs are constitutional. The programs were meant to preserve families and give parents of U.S. citizens and those who came to the United States as children the power to earn their own living. In Los Angeles County alone, nearly 500,000 immigrants are eligible to apply. Today’s ruling leaves hardworking families in the shadows and living under the fear of deportation and separation. It leaves fewer residents with the ability to buy homes, make better wages and fully participate in our civic and economic fabric. Reflecting our missions to ensure a more prosperous future for all Los Angeles residents, we stand united to continue supporting immigrant integration efforts during these challenging times. We will support organizations that provide vital services to children and families in need and ensure that they are not exploited or defrauded. While this decision is a temporary setback, we will continue to partner with stakeholders across sectors to push for immigration reform that upholds the dignity of all communities and families. California Community Foundation The California Endowment The James Irvine Foundation Weingart Foundation