Undocumented Arizonans await decision on immigration reform challenge
Apr 19, 2016, 6:00 AM
Supporters of fair immigration reform dance in front of the Supreme Court in Washington, Monday, April 18, 2016. The Supreme Court is taking up an important dispute over immigration that could affect millions of people who are living in the country illegally. The Obama administration is asking the justices in arguments today to allow it to put in place two programs that could shield roughly 4 million people from deportation and make them eligible to work in the United States. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
(AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
PHOENIX — As the U.S. Supreme Court considers a challenge to President Barack Obama’s immigration programs, there are many people in Arizona who are paying close attention to the decision.
Thomas Kim is one of those who would be affected by the High Court’s ruling.
Thomas Kim (KTAR Photo/Sharon Mittelman)
Kim is 24-years-old, a student at Arizona State University’s Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law — and is undocumented. Ten years ago, he and his family came to the United States from South Korea.
“A lot of folks are scared that they may not have an ability to work and they may get deported or they may lose the social standing in their communities,” Kim said.
Kim said he has faith that it will work out and the Court will rule in favor of those seeking immigration reform.
“We should stay focused on the positive, stay focused on what is to happen, which is that one year, that one day, when all persons of the United States will enjoy their stay in the States and will truly represent what America is all about,” he said.
Any ruling in the case could affect about 4 million people, who have so far been able to avoid deportation.
Arizona is one of 26 states that brought the immigration challenge to the High Court.
