Ivone Guillen, a former director of Sojourners' long-standing immigration campaign, and a Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipient, calls last Thursday’s Supreme Court ruling that Trump could not end the program both a “miracle” and a reason to remain “realistic” moving forward. Here’s her statement:

The June 18 Supreme Court decision on DACA was the first time in many years where I’ve felt like my life and God-given dignity mattered to decision makers whose choices are often influenced by our polarized nation rather than the human lives their decisions deeply impact. The outcome was nothing short of a miracle and a sign that maybe justice was finally flowing like a river (cf. Am. 5:24). While I took the time to celebrate the joyous day as it’s rare to receive good news on immigration at the national level, I have to remain realistic about the uncertain times we are living in. The decision is a temporary solution and it is part of a larger challenge we face as a country with a broken system that has no pragmatic or long-term solutions for the millions of undocumented immigrants still residing in the United States. We already know the work for justice has never been a sprint but rather a marathon that requires faith, endurance and collaboration. We must continue our work for our families, friends, and communities.

Ivone came to Sojourners in 2011 and served for several years. When we spoke after the decision, we recalled the time years ago when we entered the U.S. Capitol for a vigil and had to pass through the Capitol police at the door to get inside to peacefully protest. For me, Jim, it was just another demonstration — the worst that could happen would be an unexpected arrest for civil disobedience and a possible fine. But for her, and all the other undocumented people entering, it was another moment of risk for detention and deportation. There was always a catching breath, hesitating at least for a moment, then making a choice. Risk is a factor of life all day every day for all those who are undocumented or who have loved ones who are.

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