Congressman G. K. Butterfield (NC-01) today released the following statement after the Supreme Court deadlocked 4-4 on President Barack Obama’s 2014 Immigration Executive Actions to create the Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents program (DAPA) and expand the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program (DACA):
“The Supreme Court’s deadlock on the President’s Executive Actions is a deeply disappointing setback and directly reflects Congressional Republicans’ refusal to do their jobs. Today’s split decision by the Supreme Court further confirms the urgent need for a ninth Justice on the Court, but Senate Republicans still refuse to carry out their Constitutional duties and consider President Obama’s Supreme Court nominee, Judge Merrick Garland. The American people need decisive answers from our nation’s highest court, not deadlock.
“While this decision sets no precedent, the commonsense guidance provided by DAPA and expanded DACA will remain blocked until further legal action is taken. I am saddened for the families who are caught within our country’s broken immigration system and would have received relief from the President’s actions. Unfortunately, today’s decision and Congressional Republicans’ refusal to take up bipartisan legislation on comprehensive immigration reform will mean that many of our neighbors all across the country will continue to live in fear of having their families torn apart.
“Congressional Republicans must end their obstructionism that has prevented Congress from addressing the most pressing issues of our day and allow our country to move forward. I simply ask that they do their jobs.”