AFT Joins Amicus Brief to Lift Stay on Obama's Immigration Action

WASHINGTON—Statement of American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten on the AFT’s participation in the amicus brief for Texas v. United States of America:

“Since its founding, the AFT has been committed to preserving and strengthening educational opportunity for all children. We have fought on the legislative front to pass comprehensive immigration reform. And we worked with the communities we serve to ensure that President Obama upheld his promise to expand administrative relief to our students, DREAMers, parents of U.S.-born children and permanent legal residents.

“Today, we stand with dozens of states and organizations urging the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to lift the unjustifiable stay the Texas U.S. District Court imposed, a measure that divides families, compromises our growing economy and destabilizes our borders.

“It’s time we end this political theater that has placed on hold the lives of people who are set to benefit from President Obama’s executive actions on immigration. We know these programs work: To date, more than 750,000 DREAMers have adjusted their status, and dozens have used their work permits to pursue their dream of teaching in America. Our country—founded by immigrant families seeking opportunity—deserves better, and the AFT intends to fight for it.”

• Read the Amicus Brief.
• Read the motion to file.