Brooklyn, N.Y. – Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke released the following statement on the amicus brief she submitted to the United States Supreme Court in support of President Barack Obama’s executive orders on Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and the expanded Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program.

These programs, which would offer the opportunity for millions of undocumented Americans to avoid deportation and become authorized to work in the United States, have been delayed by a decision of the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals.

“President Obama issued these executive orders creating Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and expanding Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals to resolve a crisis: the precarious status of millions of people who are living in the United States and who want to work, attend school, and participate in our civil society. No serious legal debate exists as to whether President Obama had this authority as chief executive of the United States – similar executive orders were issued by President Ronald Reagan and President George H.W. Bush. Congress has historically recognized that authority to exercise discretion in the enforcement of our immigration laws. When the Immigration and Nationality Act was enacted in 1952, for example, Congress authorized the President to introduce regulations and issue executive orders necessary to implement the law. When the Department of Homeland Security was created in 2002, Congress explicitly directed the Secretary of Homeland Security to establish ‘national immigration enforcement policies and priorities.’ Unfortunately, a federal appeals court has delayed implementation of DAPA and expanded DACA. We urge the Supreme Court to end the continued delay in implementing DAPA and expanded DACA.”

Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke, a member of the Committee on Energy and Commerce, the Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade, the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, and the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, the Committee on Ethics and the Committee on Small Business in the House of Representatives, proudly represents Brownsville, Crown Heights, East Flatbush, Flatbush, Gerritsen Beach, Madison, Midwood, Park Slope, Flatlands, Prospect Heights, Prospect-Lefferts Gardens, Sheepshead Bay, and Windsor Terrace.