Supreme Court ruling on DACA brings joy, wary relief for many in Southern California - OCRegister

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For the past few weeks, on the days when the U.S. Supreme Court releases its rulings, Rosa Barrientos has been waking up early to meet up with fellow immigrant-rights advocates – just in case a DACA decision was forthcoming.

On Thursday, that day came.

“I feel overwhelmed with happiness,” said Barrientos, 26, a recipient of the Obama-era Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, which on Thursday got a lifeline from the highest court in the land.

Justices rejected the way the Trump administration canceled the program, agreeing with plaintiffs that the process was “arbitrary.” In the 5-4 decision, Chief Justice John Roberts joined the court’s four liberal judges in ruling that said the government did not follow a procedural requirement to provide “a reasoned explanation for its action.”

That’s not the same as resounding support for the controversial program that was created in 2012 by President Barack Obama and currently protects about 650,000 people, most of whom were brought to the United States as children.

The justices, Roberts wrote, did “not decide whether DACA or its rescission are sound policies.” And, the chief justice wrote, the Department of Homeland Security can try again.

So while experts believe such an effort could take months and would face new legal challenges – and that it’s unlikely to happen before the November presidential election – that opening means DACA holders are still in limbo.

That’s why Barrientos, like other DACA recipients, felt both joy and caution on Thursday.

“At least, for now, it’s good news.”

That same, complicated response – wary relief – was expressed by immigrants and their supporters throughout Southern California.

By midday Thursday, hours after the announcement, there were DACA-themed car rallies in San Bernardino, Los Angeles, Santa Ana and several other cities. Supporters honked horns and cheered as they drove vehicles festooned with balloons and signs. Those events were organized by the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles.

“This is very personal for us,” said Nohemi Martinez, 18, who participated in a TODEC Legal Center celebration in downtown Perris.

Martinez has DACA protection, which can be renewed every two years and includes a work permit and a social security number. But since 2017, when the Trump administration announced the phasing out of DACA, her younger brother has not been allowed to apply.

Now, he can.

Says Ricardo Martinez, 16: “I’ve lived in the U.S. almost all my life. I consider this to be my country.”

He plans to apply for DACA status right away. After high school, he hopes to enlist in the U.S. Marines and, later, get a job in law enforcement.

• Janeth Bucio, an organizer for CHIRLA, left, and Maribel Alvarado, right, sort out signs before the start of a car rally to celebrate the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling Thursday on the controversial Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program in Santa Ana, CA, on Thursday, June 18, 2020. The Court found the Trump administration did not follow the procedural requirement that it provide a reasoned explanation for its action in ending the program. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)

• Pedro Trujillo, an organizer for CHIRLA, writes a message on a car window before the start of a car rally to celebrate the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling Thursday on the controversial Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program in Santa Ana, CA, on Thursday, June 18, 2020. The Court found the Trump administration did not follow the procedural requirement that it provide a reasoned explanation for its action in ending the program. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)

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• Jayno Sida, 20, of Nuevo, joins other to show his support Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients in celebration in downtown Perris on Thursday, June 18, 2020 after the U.S. Supreme Court rejected President Donald Trump’s bid to end legal protections for young immigrants. (Photo by Watchara Phomicinda, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)

• Veronica Diaz, 40, center, joins other to show her support for dreamers as he joins Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients in celebration in downtown Perris on Thursday, June 18, 2020 after the U.S. Supreme Court rejected President Donald Trump’s bid to end legal protections for young immigrants. (Photo by Watchara Phomicinda, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)

• Pomona Vice Mayor Nora Garcia (right) and Jovani Esparza (left), from Pomona, celebrate the United States Supreme Court’s ruling on DACA at the corner of Garey Avenue and Mission Boulevard in Pomona Thursday, June 18, 2020. (Photo by Will Lester, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)

• DACA recipients and immigrant-rights advocates ride in a car rally to celebrate the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling Thursday on the controversial Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program in Santa Ana, CA, on Thursday, June 18, 2020. The Court found the Trump administration did not follow the procedural requirement that it provide a reasoned explanation for its action in ending the program. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)

• DACA recipients and immigrant-rights advocates ride in a car rally to celebrate the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling Thursday on the controversial Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program in Santa Ana, CA, on Thursday, June 18, 2020. The Court found the Trump administration did not follow the procedural requirement that it provide a reasoned explanation for its action in ending the program. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)

• DACA recipients and immigrant-rights advocates drive around MacArthur Park during a car rally to celebrate the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling Thursday on the controversial Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. The rally was organized by the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles, or CHIRLA. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

• DACA recipients and immigrant-rights advocates gather at MacArthur Park for a car rally to celebrate the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling Thursday on the controversial Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. The rally was organized by the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles, or CHIRLA. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

• Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients and supporters hold signs as they celebrate in Perris on Thursday, June 18, 2020 after the U.S. Supreme Court rejected President Donald Trump’s bid to end legal protections for young immigrants. (Photo by Watchara Phomicinda, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)

• Yesenia Diaz, 19, a Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipient, center, holds a sign as she celebrates outside TODEC Legal Center in Perris on Thursday, June 18, 2020 after the U.S. Supreme Court rejected President Donald Trump’s bid to end legal protections for young immigrants.(Photo by Watchara Phomicinda, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)

• DACA recipients and immigrant-rights advocates drive around MacArthur Park during a car rally to celebrate the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling Thursday on the controversial Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. The rally was organized by the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles, or CHIRLA. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

• Francisco Bravo Medical Magnet High School graduate Gaby Clatenco, 17-years old, gets a hug as DACA recipients and immigrant-rights advocates gather at MacArthur Park for a car rally to celebrate the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling Thursday on the controversial Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. The rally was organized by the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles, or CHIRLA. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

• DACA recipients and immigrant-rights advocates gather at MacArthur Park for a car rally to celebrate the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling Thursday on the controversial Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. The rally was organized by the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles, or CHIRLA. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

• DACA recipients and immigrant-rights advocates drive around MacArthur Park during a car rally to celebrate the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling Thursday on the controversial Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. The rally was organized by the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles, or CHIRLA. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

• DACA recipients and immigrant-rights advocates ride in a car rally to celebrate the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling Thursday on the controversial Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program in Santa Ana, CA, on Thursday, June 18, 2020. The Court found the Trump administration did not follow the procedural requirement that it provide a reasoned explanation for its action in ending the program. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)

• DACA recipients and immigrant-rights advocates drive around MacArthur Park during a car rally to celebrate the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling Thursday on the controversial Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. The rally was organized by the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles, or CHIRLA. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

• Jovani Esparza (right), from Pomona, celebrates the United States Supreme Court’s ruling on DACA with others at the corner of Garey Avenue and Mission Boulevard in Pomona Thursday, June 18, 2020. (Photo by Will Lester, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)

• DACA recipients and immigrant-rights advocates gather at MacArthur Park for a car rally to celebrate the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling Thursday on the controversial Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. The rally was organized by the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles, or CHIRLA. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

• DACA recipients and immigrant-rights advocates gather at MacArthur Park for a car rally to celebrate the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling Thursday on the controversial Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. The rally was organized by the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles, or CHIRLA. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

• DACA recipients and immigrant-rights advocates drive around MacArthur Park during a car rally to celebrate the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling Thursday on the controversial Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. The rally was organized by the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles, or CHIRLA. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

• DACA recipients and immigrant-rights advocates drive around MacArthur Park during a car rally to celebrate the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling Thursday on the controversial Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. The rally was organized by the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles, or CHIRLA. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

• DACA recipients and immigrant-rights advocates drive around MacArthur Park during a car rally to celebrate the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling Thursday on the controversial Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. The rally was organized by the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles, or CHIRLA. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

• DACA recipients and immigrant-rights advocates gather at MacArthur Park for a car rally to celebrate the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling Thursday on the controversial Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. The rally was organized by the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles, or CHIRLA. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

• Veronica Diaz, 40, center, joins other to show her support for dreamers as he joins Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients in celebration in downtown Perris on Thursday, June 18, 2020 after the U.S. Supreme Court rejected President Donald Trump’s bid to end legal protections for young immigrants. (Photo by Watchara Phomicinda, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)

• Angela Sanbrano (right), with the Latino and Latina Roundtable, along with Jocelyn Rios-Ewing (center left), from Monrovia, and Pomona Vice Mayor Nora Garcia (left) celebrate the United States Supreme Court’s ruling on DACA at the corner of Garey Avenue and Mission Boulevard in Pomona Thursday, June 18, 2020. (Photo by Will Lester, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)

• Francisco Bravo Medical Magnet High School graduate Gaby Clatenco, 17-years old, who is planning on attending University California Riverside and majoring in biology as a DACA recipient. DACA recipients and immigrant-rights advocates gathed at MacArthur Park for a car rally to celebrate the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling Thursday on the controversial Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. The rally was organized by the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles, or CHIRLA. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

• DACA recipients and immigrant-rights advocates drive around MacArthur Park during a car rally to celebrate the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling Thursday on the controversial Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. The rally was organized by the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles, or CHIRLA. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

• Yesenia Diaz, 19, a Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipient, holds a sign as she celebrates outside TODEC Legal Center in Perris on Thursday, June 18, 2020 after the U.S. Supreme Court rejected President Donald Trump’s bid to end legal protections for young immigrants.(Photo by Watchara Phomicinda, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)

• Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients and supporters celebrate in Perris on Thursday, June 18, 2020 after the U.S. Supreme Court rejected President Donald Trump’s bid to end legal protections for young immigrants. (Photo by Watchara Phomicinda, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)

• Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients and supporters celebrate in Perris on Thursday, June 18, 2020 after the U.S. Supreme Court rejected President Donald Trump’s bid to end legal protections for young immigrants. (Photo by Watchara Phomicinda, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)

• DACA recipients and immigrant-rights advocates ride in a car rally to celebrate the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling Thursday on the controversial Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program in Santa Ana, CA, on Thursday, June 18, 2020. The Court found the Trump administration did not follow the procedural requirement that it provide a reasoned explanation for its action in ending the program. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)

• Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients and supporters celebrate in Perris on Thursday, June 18, 2020 after the U.S. Supreme Court rejected President Donald Trump’s bid to end legal protections for young immigrants. (Photo by Watchara Phomicinda, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)

Educators and civil rights advocates around the region also expressed relief on Thursday.

“It is the right outcome for so many families and their teachers who have been living under a cloud of uncertainty,” said Los Angeles Unified School Superintendent Austin Beutner in a statement.

In 2018, Los Angeles Unified and a coalition of school districts joined in an amicus brief supporting DACA; it’s end “would significantly disrupt classrooms and destabilize school districts, producing effects that reverberate throughout communities,” Beutner wrote.

University of California President Janet Napolitano said: “Justice and the rule of law won the day.”

The UC Regents, named in one of the lawsuits the Supreme Court reviewed, were at the forefront of the fight to keep DACA alive. Napolitano served as secretary of Homeland Security under President Obama when he announced the program eight years ago this week.

Napolitano called the ruling “a victory for hundreds of thousands of young people who are making vital contributions to their families, schools, employers and the nation.”

At one point, some 800,000 people had DACA protection. Today, that number is nearly 650,000. California is home to the largest number, about 183,000.

Immigrant-rights advocates said they next plan to push eligible people to apply for the program, while working for more permanent solutions, such as immigration reform.  The latest pending bill they’re pushing is the American Dream and Promise Act, or HR-6, introduced by Lucille Roybal-Allard, D-Los Angeles. The Democratic-controlled House is supportive.

The ruling also has political implications, and it was cheered by Democratic leaders with connections to Southern California.

“This moment affirms our belief that immigrants have every right to feel safe and work, and are a part of our country and community,” said Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia.

Rep. Lou Correa, D-Santa Ana, said that DACA recipients in his district make up the second largest number in the country, after Los Angeles, and they “have earned the right to the American dream.

“They follow the law, contribute to our economy, pay taxes, and many are doctors, nurses, police officers, firefighters, and serve in our military.”

Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti wrote on Twitter that the ruling “delivers a powerful message: this country and this city belong to Dreamers today.”

Conservatives and others who oppose DACA were unhappy with the ruling.

“The decision avoids a political controversy but it is not a legally correct decision,” said Robin Hvidston, of the We the People Rising anti-illegal immigration group.

“The decision supports executive overreach and sets the wrong precedence. The legislative branch of the government is the branch that should determine legal status via the law, not the executive branch of a president.”

But for those who have the protection against deportation, the program has provided peace of mind.

“It gave us an identity,” said Lidieth Arevalo, 28, a Long Beach resident and Chapman University graduate with DACA status who has made several short documentaries on immigration and related topics.

Now it’s just a question of how long DACA recipients have until the next turn of events.

“I feel I’m constantly holding my breath,” said Garden Grove resident Raquel Zamora Gonzales, a second-grade teacher.

“When is the next thing? When is the next good news, bad news? It’s a rollercoaster of emotions,” said Gonzales, who was 1 when she was brought to the United States.

“Today was a sigh of relief,” she said. “I will celebrate today. And I’m happy. But I know there’s a lot of work to do.”

“We’re safe,” she said. “For now.”

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