by Br. Daryl Charron, C.PP.S.
Sr. Simone Campbell (the featured speaker at our upcoming Provincial Assembly) and her NETWORK staff joined thousands of immigrants, advocates, and allies on the steps of the Supreme Court recently in support of U.S. v. Texas. This case will determine whether or not President Obama’s executive actions on immigration will stand. Sister Simone led thousands of activists in prayer as the Supreme Court heard the case. President Obama’s executive actions expanded eligibility for DREAMers under Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and created new protections for undocumented parents of U.S. citizen children called Deferred Action for Parents of Americans (DAPA). Unfortunately, the actions have been caught up in courts and implementation has been delayed for the last year and a half.
The Supreme Court seemed sharply divided during an extended argument over a challenge to President Obama’s plan that would shield millions of undocumented immigrants from deportation and allow them to work in the country legally. A 4-4 deadlock seemed a real possibility, one that would leave in place an appeals court ruling that blocks the plan and deny the chance to revive it while Obama remains in office. This is a heated debate that we all need to pay close attention to as we prepare for Assembly and our corporate stance on immigration reform. Those of you who were unable to attend any of the workshops that were offered in November, February and April throughout the province can still pursue a makeup session. This will be conducted by RSVP only at Precious Blood Center on May 1st from 2-4 p.m. Contact Br. Daryl Charron, C.PP.S. to attend this makeup session at daryl.charron@yahoo.com or call 816-835-0344.
