Families rally in Raleigh against North Carolina's part in immigration lawsuit
RALEIGH (WTVD) -- Immigrant families and advocates answered the call for action and rallied outside of the Executive Mansion Tuesday to send a message. The group is angry Gov. Pat McCrory joined in on a lawsuit challenging the President's executive order to provide benefits to immigrants.
The benefits were supposed to take effect May 19.
"They're afraid to drive. They're afraid to participate in their own communities -- afraid even to go to church," said Hector Vaca from Action NC.
The Sanchez Family is one that would benefit from DAPA. The family moved here from Mexico in 1996. His 20-year-old daughter Jessica was born with a spinal deformity and her parents wanted the best possible medical care. Jessica said if her parents are deported, she would have to go back with them.
"This is the only country we know and it's not easy going back to a country you've never been," said Jessica Sanchez.
Rick Martinez with the governor's office said McCrory's position on DAPA has not changed.
"The president has exceeded the balance of power provisions clearly laid out in the U.S. Constitution and his unilateral expansion of power must be challenged," McCrory said. "In North Carolina, the 9th most populous state, the president's actions are likely to put even more financial strain on our state's government services. It's disappointing that the president has shown little regard for states which must shoulder the costs of his actions."
Advocates argue the state is already taking a financial hit by forcing immigrant to live in the shadows, instead of openly contributing.
"He's hurting my state's economy, North Carolina's economy by doing this," said Vaca. "If everyone who's eligible for DAPA and DACA were to register, that would be $197 million for North Carolina economy."
The judge's ruling likely will remain in place for several months. The case is being appealed now.
