Washington, DC - Congressman Juan Vargas (CA-51) Issued the following statement about the Deferred Action for Parents of Americans (DAPA) program which would have gone into effect today as part of President Obama’s Immigration Executive Action:

“Countless American families received peace of mind when President Obama unveiled his Immigration Executive Action on November 20, 2014. Unfortunately, since the announcement, the President’s Executive Action has been challenged in the courts and undermined by Republicans in Congress.

“If President Obama’s actions had not been delayed, DAPA would have taken effect today nationwide. DAPA would allow undocumented parents of U.S. citizens and permanent residents, who have lived in the country for at least five years, to stay without fear of being deported. These parents care for their children and relatives, serving as vital providers in their communities. The Executive Action would have offered relief to immigrants who currently live in the shadows, in constant fear of being separated from their families.

“As the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals will make a decision soon whether to halt President Obama’s immigration action, I remain optimistic of the outcome. In spite of this set back, I believe that the respect for human dignity will win in the end and that President Obama’s Immigration Executive Action will be upheld.”