Planned Parenthood Action Fund Stands in Solidarity with Advocates and Families in Support DAPA and DACA at the Supreme Court

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

“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.”

This historic case before the Supreme Court will decide the fate of 5 million immigrants who currently reside in the US 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.

“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.”

Planned Parenthood Action Fund believes that 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 we continue to support deferred action plans and immigration reform.

“No one’s health should be compromised because of their immigration status,” said Cecile Richards, President of Planned Parenthood Action Fund. “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. At Planned Parenthood we believe all people should be able to lead safe, healthy lives no matter who they are, where they live, where they are from, or what their immigration status. DACA and DAPA are the critical steps toward ensuring that’s a reality.”

Planned Parenthood’s doors are open to everyone, regardless of their immigration status. And we believe that 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.

We are hopeful 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.