The Supreme Court Just Heard a Case That Will Determine if 5 Million Immigrants Can Live Without Fear of Deportation. Here's What That Means for Health Care Advocates.

Today, the U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments on two of President Obama’s immigration policies: Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents (DAPA), and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). 

Both DACA and DAPA are the critical steps toward ensuring that all people can lead safe, healthy lives — no matter who they are, where they live, where they are from, or what their immigration status. Should the challenge to DACA and DAPA prevail, it could prevent millions of undocumented immigrants from accessing the care they need to survive in the United States. 

The Significance of DAPA & DACA

This historic case will decide the fate of 5 million immigrants who currently reside in the United States and their families — and the opportunity for those families to work and live without fear of deportation. Texas and the plaintiff states in the lawsuit against the deferred action programs have more than 2.6 million U.S. citizens living with a DAPA-eligible family member.

“Undocumented people are our neighbors, our classmates, our colleagues, and friends. I am undocumented. We are a vital part of our community,” said Miriam Cadenas, Planned Parenthood Nevada, Raiz Volunteer. “I am part of a mixed-status family, without DACA it was much more difficult to go about my normal life, to go to school, get a job, travel, and access health care. Now that I have DACA I have seen how invaluable it is. It has allowed me to be able to stay in this country with my family and grow and advance in my career.  Politicians who stand against these policies stand against American families, against families like mine.”

Health Care Access & Impact

No one’s health should be compromised because of their immigration status. The fear that comes with being an undocumented immigrant in this country can lead too many to not seek the life-saving health care they need. That's why DACA and DAPA are so important to anyone who cares about health care access.

“Attempts to repeal DACA and DAPA could prevent millions of undocumented immigrants from accessing the care they need to survive in this country," said Daniel Hernandez, Raiz Program Manager, Community Outreach Group, a Planned Parenthood Action Fund Program. “DAPA and DACA play an integral part in keeping immigrant families together, and we hope that the Supreme Court will stand on the right side of justice.”

Where Planned Parenthood Action Fund Stands

Planned Parenthood Action Fund is a proud signatory of an amicus brief in support of DAPA and DACA and will stand in solidarity with families and advocates in support for the president’s immigration actions by joining the rally at the Supreme Court. Why? Because the ability to stay together, in the same country, as a family, is an integral part of what it means to have a happy and complete life. That’s why Planned Parenthood Action Fund continues to support deferred action plans and immigration reform.

Health has no borders: Planned Parenthood Global, the international arm of PPFA, partners with more than 100 organizations across Africa and Latin America — including some of the countries of origin of many potential beneficiaries of DACA/DAPA — to help advance the health and rights of young people, women, and families with an emphasis on the most vulnerable and underserved.  

Here's hoping that the challenge to DACA and DAPA will not prevail, as it could prevent millions of undocumented immigrants from accessing the care they need to survive in this country. In the meantime, Planned Parenthood health centers' doors remain open to everyone, regardless of their immigration status. 

Tags: President Obama, Immigration Reform, Immigration