June 28, 2016
Contacts:
VIRGINIA: Emily Kessel, NAKASEC, eakessel@nakasec.org
ILLINOIS: Nayoung Ha, KRCC, nayoung@chicagokrcc.org
CALIFORNIA: Jinkyung Park, KRC, jinkyung@krcla.org
NAKASEC, KRCC and KRC Lift Up Candles and Signs of Support for Immigrant Families and Communities
#DACADAPASolidarity #FightforFamilies
WASHINGTON, DC – Following the Supreme Court’s non-decision on United States v. Texas, a case challenging President Obama’s 2014 executive action on immigration, the National Korean American Service and Education Consortium (NAKASEC), Korean Resource Center (KRC), and Korean American Resource and Cultural Center (KRCC) organized vigils and gathered outside of communal locations in California, Illinois, and Virginia to reflect on the deadlock. The 4-4 ruling continues to block the DAPA (Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents) and expanded DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) programs and renew the Court’s commitment to protecting victories in the immigrant rights movement and fighting for a permanent solution to keep families together.
In Los Angeles, KRC and NAKASEC held a candlelight vigil on the corner of Wilshire and Western on the evening of June 27th with children, youth, students, working adults, seniors, and parents to stand in solidarity with immigrant families across the country who were waiting for the implementation of DAPA and DACA+.
In Chicago, KRCC held a vigil during its membership meeting on Saturday, June 25th with its members and others of various faith communities including Buddhist, Catholic, Presbyterian, and Muslim.
NAKASEC held signs conveying messages of support for DAPA, DACA+, and immigrant families outside of H-Mart in Annandale.
NAKASEC’s Executive Director Dae Joong Yoon, KRCC’s Executive Director Inhe Choi, and KRC’s Los Angeles Director Joon Bang shared the following words of reflection: “The Supreme Court 4-4 ruling on DAPA and DACA expansion is a disappointing setback, but this is not the end. We will continue to show our support and keep up the fight until we win relief for all our families. We invite community members to continue to join us as we gather to show our reflections and unite as one in solidarity.”
