SEIU’s Henry: Supreme Court ruling in U.S. v. Texas is a major relief for immigrants who help build our economy

WASHINGTON – Service Employees International Union President Mary Kay Henry issued the following statement in response to the Supreme Court’s ruling in the immigration case, U.S. v. Texas:

“Today’s Supreme Court ruling in US v. Texas restores an important tool the administration can use to provide some consistency and clarity to the enforcement of immigration laws. The vast majority of immigrants pose no danger and are making positive contributions to our communities and our economy. Now, they can continue building their lives in the U.S. with certainty and strength.

As a union of immigrants, we know that our communities and economy are both stronger thanks to immigrant workers who often take on critical, yet unappreciated work in our hospitals, schools, nursing homes and more. That’s why SEIU’s more than 2 million members stand united in their demands for immigration reform and the creation of legal pathways to citizenship for workers and families to remain in the U.S. And they’re not the only ones – the vast majority of voters across party lines also support a fair, orderly, and humane immigration system.

In the meantime, the Department of Homeland Security must always strive to enforce rules in a way that protects immigrants and all workers, and allows them to live their lives with the respect and dignity they deserve. Our country has long benefited from immigrants’ essential work, and it’s time for the administration to build an immigration system that celebrates their contributions to our economy.”