This morning, PIX11 News aired a live interview featuring VOLS’ Immigration Project Director, Elizabeta Markuci, and a VOLS client and her mother on their reactions to the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent ruling on Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents (DAPA) and the expansion of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA).

Makeda and Cynthia, like many other immigrant families, felt discouraged and disappointed about SCOTUS’ split decision that blocks President Obama’s attempt to provide relief to undocumented immigrants. The implementation of DAPA would have positively impacted millions of hard working families by allowing parents of U.S citizens and legal permanent residents to apply for work authorization and a social security number so that they can work legally, pay taxes, and provide for their children. Meanwhile, the expansion of DACA would have extended the protections for people who didn’t qualify initially.

But, as Liz Markuci pointed out, these measures fall short to solve the bigger problem of a failing immigration system: we must work harder than ever to ensure security for our neighbors and freedom from fear that families will be torn apart. DAPA and DACA are half-measures; America needs real change when it comes to immigration law.

PIX11 News Article and Video: How the Supreme Court’s Immigration Decision will Affect Local Families