Hirono Praises Decision to Hear Immigration Executive Action Case

Senator Mazie Hirono. U.S. Senate photo.

Senator Mazie Hirono praised the Supreme Court’s decision on Tuesday to hear U.S. v. Texas. The case challenges President Barack Obama’s expanded Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals and Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents programs.

The programs were announced more than a year ago.

Senator Hirono was among 33 Senators and 184 Representatives who authored an amicus brief that urged the Supreme Court to uphold President Obama’s executive action in December 2015.

In addition, Senator Hirono was among the key authors of the 2013 Senate comprehensive immigration reform legislation.

“Today’s announcement that the Supreme Court will hear arguments on U.S. v. Texas is a step forward for the millions of undocumented immigrants who remain trapped in the shadows,” said Senator Hirono. “I believe that President Obama’s actions are within his authority, and are in line with immigration actions taken by every President since Dwight Eisenhower.

“I am hopeful that the Supreme Court will agree and allow the DAPA and expanded DACA programs, which would benefit more than five million children and families to move forward. In Congress, I will continue to fight for comprehensive immigration reform that will overhaul our broken immigration system and keep our families together.”