While Families Fast for Immigration Relief at 5th Circuit Court, Cities, Advocates, and Elected Officials Echo Need for Immediate Action

NEW YORK –After months of inaction, the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans has not yet decided whether to lift a judge's order temporarily blocking the administration from carrying out the new immigration executive actions. Cities United for Immigration Action (CUIA) echoed calls to move the Executive Action forward, urging immediate implementation of the President’s actions.

Earlier this year, as part of CUIA, 73 cities and counties filed two friend-of-the-court briefs in this case after several states took the administration to court to block implementation, causing serious delays with real life consequences.

Cities United for Immigration Action issued the following statement:

“It has been nearly a year since President Obama announced an executive order to provide up to four million undocumented immigrants the ability to live and work in the United States without fear of deportation. In that time, families have been torn apart, economic progress from immigration action has been stalled, and justice for millions of people has been delayed. It’s time to end the inaction, and let common sense reforms begin to keep our communities safer and stronger.”

In cities across the nation, advocates and elected officials have participated locally in a national week of echo events in support of the President’s Executive Action on immigration. Today, families concluded a fast in New Orleans, outside the 5th Circuit court, to raise awareness and urge an immediate decision.

The call for immediate implementation of immigration relief and a decision from the courts has come from leaders across the nation. In recent months, mayors have joined forces with nearly 100 cities and counties as part of Cities United for Immigration Action, a coalition that is leading the effort to promote and implement the President’s reforms nationwide.