The Supreme Court’s 4-4 tie vote Thursday stops President Obama’s immigration reform in its tracks. However, some families living in Connecticut had been hoping for a different outcome.
Ana Castillo and millions of undocumented immigrants like her, and her oldest daughter Naamy, hoped Thursday would be the day they could walk out of the shadows.
“I mean every time we go out to run an errand to do anything, we always go out with fear so that will continue because of the decision today,” Castillo said.
Obama’s immigration programs included policies that would have protections for undocumented immigrants who are the parents of children in the United States legally, and offer a path to citizenship.
“I think it is heartbreaking for the millions of immigrants who made their lives here have raised families here,” Obama said Thursday.
Castillo came to the United States 12 years ago along with her husband and daughter to escape poverty in Guatemala. Her youngest daughter, Melanie, was born here and is a U.S. Citizen. Although Castillo is happy her daughter will have opportunities, her happiness is often eclipsed by thoughts of her family being ripped apart by a deportation at any moment.
“My biggest fear is that I get deported and my children stay alone in this country,” Castillo said.
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Many people praised the Supreme Court decision on Thursday. Castillo said she doesn’t let people’s opinions keep her from pursuing her dream of citizenship.
“Just because they were born here doesn't mean that they deserve a better life than we do,” she said.
