Other LanguagesVows to fight on, leading states in support of Administration’s appeal
SEATTLE — Yesterday, a federal judge issued a preliminary injunction in Texas v. United States, forestalling implementation of the Obama Administration’s recently announced immigration reforms. The President’s executive actions had been challenged in federal District Court by Texas and several other states. A coalition of 12 states and the District of Columbia, led by Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson, had filed an amicus curiae, or “friend of the court,” brief in support of the President’s recent executive action on immigration policy.
“I am disappointed in the District Court’s decision to halt needed immigration reform,” Ferguson said today. “Washington and other states have a strong interest in reforms that will improve public safety and strengthen our economies. Delay will hurt our communities and punish hard-working, tax-paying immigrants and their families.”
“The Justice Department has indicated that it intends to appeal this ruling, and we look forward to leading the coalition of states in support of the Administration’s position. This case has just begun.”
The Washington State Attorney’s General Office authored the amicus brief, which was filed with the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas, Brownsville Division, on January 12, 2015. The brief was joined by the Attorneys General of California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Vermont and the District of Columbia.
The coalition argued that the Obama Administration’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.
Deputy Solicitor General Anne Egeler and Solicitor General Noah Purcell are handling this case on behalf of the Attorney General’s Office.
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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