BROWNSVILLE, TX – Last week, MALDEF and pro bono counsel, O'Melveny & Myers and Frank Costilla, filed a motion to intervene on behalf of three individuals who would qualify for relief under the administrative action on immigration announced last year by President Barack Obama. Texas and other states and state officials have asked a federal court for an immediate injunction to stop administration officials from moving forward with the actions announced by the President. The motion was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas, Brownsville Division.
“While this is plainly nothing but a political case filed by forces seeking to demonize immigrants and obstruct national progress, it ought not go forward without participation from some of those most affected by our current antiquated immigration system,” stated Thomas A. Saenz, MALDEF President and General Counsel. “The proposed intervenors' perspective is one that must be heard throughout the entirety of the case's duration, however long or short that may be.”
The motion was filed on behalf of three individual undocumented immigrants who are directly affected by the outcome of this case and seek to participate in order to share their experiences and perspective with the court. Administrative actions announced in November include expanding the 2012 Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program and creating a new program called Deferred Action for Parental Accountability (DAPA), which will let an estimated 4 million parents of American citizens who haven't committed crimes temporarily stay and work in the country.
Linda Smith, partner with the firm of O'Melveny & Myers, stated: “If DAPA is enjoined, these three mothers as well as millions of others similarly situated will not be eligible for deferred action and could face deportation and separation from their families and their communities.”
See the motion here.