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South Florida Reacts To Supreme Court Split On Immigration

Lisann Ramos

 

South Florida immigration groups rallied in front of the Freedom Tower in downtown Miami Thursday afternoon -- against the Supreme Court split that blocks President Obama's efforts to expand immigration programs.

Gabriel Garcia-Vera is a U.S. citizen, but works with undocumented immigrants for the National Latina Institute of Reproductive Health. He's among the many South Florida activists who had high hopes that the Supreme Court would rule in favor of immigration reform.

 

“Today is a really bitter-sweet day because we've been waiting for this decision expecting a better outcome, and it's unfortunate to see the outcome today. But it's inspiring and moving to see all of our communities to come together and really create change and make sure all families are protected,” said Garcia-Vera.

 

Daniel Garcia is a beneficiary of DACA - which stands for Deferred Action For Childhood Arrivals. He says that although he has the protection of DACA he understands the fear many undocumented families face.

 

“They're going to be facing this anxiety, not knowing whether next Christmas their families are going to be broken apart because their family member is driving and they're caught up by a DUI roadblock. They don't know what's going to happen,” said Garcia.

 

Garcia still doesn't take his own situation lightly after the Supreme Court decision.

 

"I feel distraught. I feel vulnerable. Even though I have DACA, [the decision] tells me that at any moment all of this can be taken away," said Garcia. "That this country where I grew up most of my life could become not my country anymore. And I cannot imagine that."

 

The Supreme Court also decided, this time in a 4-to-3 vote, to uphold affirmative action practices in university admissions. But those at the rally weren't rejoicing.

 

"They want us to celebrate for affirmative action while our immigrant brothers and sisters are further excluded. They're being deported while the truth in the black community, our children, only a small percentage of them get the benefit of affirmative action," said Trenise Bryant of the Miami Worker's Center, a group that fights for social and racial justice.

President Obama spoke out against the split in the immigration case soon after it was announced. The case could go back before the Supreme Court when the ninth justice is appointed and confirmed.  

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