New York — Today, the Supreme Court’s 4-4 split decision vote in U.S. v. Texas effectively allows the block on President Obama’s immigration actions, DAPA and expanded DACA, to continue.

This decision affects an estimated 329,000 people in the New York State. And it affects the bottom line in the states where these families live. An analysis by the Center for American Progress estimates that the GDP in New York State would increase by $16.1 billion if those eligible for DAPA and expanded DACA were able to receive legal work permits.

“We are sorely disappointed in this Supreme Court ruling, which prolongs hardship for so many families in the U.S. who only want to improve their lives through work and study,” said 32BJ President Hector Figueroa. “Denying these mothers, fathers and children the opportunities we so prize as part of the American Dream is cruel and unjust. As we approach a crucial election this year, we will continue to fight for comprehensive immigration reform that includes a humane and sensible solution for the millions of people who have already contributed a great deal to our country and should be allowed to continue to do so.”

The majority of 32BJ’s 155,000 members were born outside of the United States and are from over 60 countries around the world. They live and work with immigrants of all stripes, and recognize how harmful it is for families with members who are unauthorized immigrants to have to live in fear of being separated, or to have to accept low-wage jobs which often lack proper health and safety protections.

“As an immigrant, this decision by the Supreme Court touches something that’s very personal for me and for many of my coworkers and neighbors,” said Francisco Vargas, a commercial cleaner originally from the Dominican Republic who lives in Queens. “Our families deserve to be able to work and live without fear of being separated. But we will not give up. We will answer Trump and all the extremist politicians who speak against immigrants in November, when we get to speak through our votes.”

NOTE: We have members affected by this decision available to speak to press.

With 155,000 members in eleven states and Washington, D.C., 32BJ SEIU is the largest property service workers union in the country.

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