Washington, D.C. – Today, in a 5-3 decision, the Supreme Court ruled against Clemente Pereida, an undocumented immigrant and father of three who has lived in the U.S. for over 25 years. Pereida, who is at risk of deportation, and others, will now bear the burden of proof under immigration law to show eligibility to have his deportation canceled.
Cynthia Garcia, National Campaigns Manager for Community Protection of United We Dream, said:
“The Supreme Court’s shameful ruling against Clemente Pereida is emblematic of our cruel and inhumane immigration system which continues to punish people simply for trying to survive. Deportation has, and always will be, a racist weapon used by ICE and CBP to disproportionately target Black and brown immigrants and rip apart families. To see the Supreme Court, which is supposed to be a pillar of justice, rule this way is a disgrace.
The deportation force of ICE and CBP will continue to traumatize and harm our communities until these agencies are abolished and citizenship is delivered to all 11 million undocumented immigrants living in the U.S. It is imperative that President Biden and Congress act immediately to protect all immigrants. Our lives should never be on the line, yet from court case to court case, our safety has been at the discretion of the Supreme Court. Congress and the White House must act with urgency and use every tool at their disposal to provide a pathway to citizenship that doesn’t come at the cost of more detention, deportation, and family separation.”
