Other LanguagesSEATTLE — Today marks the 180th day since President Obama announced a series of reforms he was undertaking by executive action. Under the Obama Administration’s plan, millions of families, including thousands of Washington residents, would today be filing requests under the Deferred Action for Parents of Americans program (DAPA). Instead, implementation of this and other reform initiatives has been delayed by a misguided lawsuit led by the state of Texas.
That’s why I led a coalition of states in filing a “friend of the court” brief in Texas v. United States, arguing that rather than presenting a burden, the President’s actions — enabling working families to participate more fully in American society, earn a fair, legal wage and pay their fair share of taxes — benefit the states by raising revenue and reducing demand for social services.
I am disappointed that our sister states continue to stymie needed action on immigration. The states have a strong interest in reforms that will improve public safety and strengthen our economies. Delay only hurts our communities and punishes hard-working, tax-paying immigrants and their families.
On a day when families across the country should be emerging from the shadows without fear of being separated from loved ones by an outdated and unfair system, instead our fellow community members face continued uncertainty and delay.
I am hopeful that the federal appellate court considering Texas v. United States will render its decision soon, upholding the President’s common-sense reforms.
A link to Attorney General Ferguson’s brief in the case — which was joined by the Attorneys General of California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia and the District of Columbia — can be found here.
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The Office of the Attorney General is the chief legal office for the state of Washington with attorneys and staff in 27 divisions across the state providing legal services to roughly 200 state agencies, boards and commissions. Attorney General Bob Ferguson is working hard to protect consumers and seniors against fraud, keep our communities safe, protect our environment and stand up for our veterans. Visit www.atg.wa.gov to learn more.
Contact:
Peter Lavallee, Communications Director, (360) 586-0725; PeterL@atg.wa.gov