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“Today, We Will Win Justice”: Hundreds Of Immigrant Families And Allies Rally For DAPA Outside Supreme Court

by Gabe Ortiz on

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Editor’s note: To read about one family directly impacted by DAPA/DACA+, click here.

Hundreds of immigrant families and their allies rallied outside the Supreme Court today as the eight justices heard oral arguments in US v. Texas, the lawsuit blocking implementation of DAPA and DACA+.

Carrying banners of La Virgen de Guadalupe and signs reading, “We just want to live without fear,” “I was a stranger and you welcomed me,” and “Respect,” the families cheered, hoped, and prayed.

If the Court rules against the 26 states that brought the lawsuit, implementation of DAPA and DACA+ would be the biggest victory in a generation for immigrants — and a chance for millions of these families to live, for the first time, with some peace of mind.

“Not a day goes by where I do not fear that my parents could be taken from me,” said AV’s Juan Escalante, who spoke during today’s rally.

“Fear that my parents could be arrested for driving without a license. Fear that my parents’ hard work would go unnoticed.”

Sophie Cruz, the young child who embraced Pope Francis during his visit to Washington, D.C. last year and asked him to take of immigrant families, said she hoped the judges would rule for the immigrant families.

Many present at the rally are eligible for the actions currently blocked by the lawsuit. Others are not, but still wanted to show their support for families.

One woman present, Cindy, was walking with Women Belong Together last year when her husband was arrested and deported. He would have been eligible for DAPA.

Alin Contreras, a young girl from Auburndale, Florida traveled with her grandmother to be at at the Supreme Court rally. Alin’s parents qualify for DAPA, but they were unable to travel to Washington D.C. for the rally due their work schedule.

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Dolores Huerta

Alin’s, her parents, and her grandmother Irma, are part of the group Young American Dreamer’s — who hosted Florida Senator Darren Soto for dinner as part of our “DAPA Dinners” campaign.

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Juan Parents

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We need DAPA

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Other distinguished members of Congress also showed their support via an appearance at the rally or through personal messages.

A decision is expected by late June.