Washington, DC — The Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF) fully supports the Supreme Court’s ruling in favor of the University of Texas supporting affirmative action, and is disappointed with the Supreme Court’s 4-4 split decision ruling in United States v. Texas on immigration. As an organization that represents a community of immigrants, SALDEF hopes to see decisions that progress the issue of immigration. The Supreme Court’s ruling blocking DAPA (Deferred Action for Parents of Americans) and the expanded DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) is a major setback for immigrant families and communities. For the thousands of undocumented Sikhs and Asian Americans, and millions of undocumented Americans in this country, today’s deadlock has massive implications. These initiatives would have mitigated the fear of deportation for upstanding and law-abiding citizens who may not be legally documented. At the same time, SALDEF fully supports the Supreme Courts ruling in favor of the University of Texas supporting affirmative action. This decision will grant the youth of minority groups—including the Sikh community and the broader Asian American community—an even playing field on which they can pursue the American Dream through education. Education is a critical element in helping minority groups who have suffered from discrimination. This ruling also affirms the value that diversity brings to the classroom. Today’s immigration decision also highlights the importance of the Senate confirming a replacement to fall the vacancy on the Supreme Court. SALDEF hopes to see forward progress on issues of immigration, and continued forward progress on bringing diversity to the classroom.
