Brooklyn, N.Y. – Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke released the following statement on the decision by the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals to continue delaying implementation of Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and the expanded Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, which would allow millions of undocumented Americans to avoid deportation and become authorized to work in the United States.

A three-judge panel of the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a district court injunction that prevents the implementation of these programs by the Department of Homeland Security.

“Unfortunately, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals has decided to continue the delay in implementing Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and the expanded Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, even as millions of undocumented Americans are waiting for desperately needed support. I was proud when President Obama and Secretary of Homeland Security Johnson acted to allow millions of American families to remain in the United States and participate in our economy. The decision by the District Court that the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals  has allowed to remain in effect was completely unprecedented. Presidents of the United States – from President Ronald Reagan to President George W. Bush – have acted under the same authority as our chief executive as defer action in immigration cases. I urge the United States Supreme Court to reverse this decision, ending the delay that now exists in processing applications for deferred action and employment authorization. Millions of people have waited for years for a resolution to this crisis and a confirmation of their status in the United States. The wait must end.”

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 of 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.