WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Terri Sewell (AL-07) released the following statement on the Supreme Court’s deadlocked 4-4 decision regarding the President’s Immigration Executive Actions:
“I am deeply disappointed that the Supreme Court was unable to resolve the United States v. Texas case on the President’s Immigration Executive Actions. This deadlock only perpetuates a broken immigration system that tears apart families, and underscores the need for a fully functioning Supreme Court. While the split decision is devastating for thousands of families in America fleeing persecution and violence, it is important to remember that this split decision does not sets legal precedent. President Obama's deferred action order was consistent with his authority and actions taken by previous administrations from both parties.
The inability of the Supreme Court to reach a decision is further proof of the importance of the 2016 presidential election. If Congress refuses to act on immigration, the executive branch has legal authority to set certain policies. Everyday Congress fails to pass immigration reform, the lives of millions of Americans, including thousands of Alabamians, hang in the balance. Such inaction is further compounded by the misguided partisan politics of Senate Republicans in refusing to allow a confirmation hearing on President Obama's Supreme Court nominee. We are failing the American people by not doing our job!"