Planned Parenthood Condemns Supreme Court’s Failure to Lift the Injunction Blocking DAPA/DACA that Could Rip Millions of Families Apart

The Supreme Court’s failure to reach a decision on this historic case has left uncertain the fate of 5 million eligible immigrants who currently reside in the US and their families, and at least for now eliminates the opportunity for those families to work and live without fear of deportation.

“The devastating failure to reach a decision unblocking implementation of DAPA and the expansion of DACA keeps millions of undocumented immigrants at risk of being unable to access the care they need to survive in this country,” said Daniela Ramirez, Assistant Director of Latino Media, Planned Parenthood Federation of America. “It could also rip millions of families apart, doing irreparable harm to a community that has already had to face barriers and discrimination in this country. We at Planned Parenthood will continue to see patients regardless of who they are, or where they are from – no matter what.”

Planned Parenthood Federation of America 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 steps towards comprehensive immigration reform because it improves access to basic health care.

“No one’s health should be compromised because of their immigration status,” said Cecile Richards, President of Planned Parenthood Federation of America “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. We are terrified to see the negative health implications that this failure to reach a decision will have on the immigrant community as we know it keeps millions of undocumented immigrants at risk of being unable to access the care they need to survive in this country.”

“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. Since I was granted 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. I’m terrified to know that this sense of security is now at stake, and disillusioned that the justice system has missed this opportunity to stand with American families, with families like mine.”

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 DAPA/expanded DACA — 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 after the Supreme Court vacancy has been filled, that this issue will return to and be decided by a full court. And that the Supreme Court will have an opportunity to finally lift this unnecessary block on immigration policies.