WASHINGTON, D.C. — Ten years after the announcement of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), Americans across the political spectrum continue to demand a permanent solution from Congress for Dreamers.
With DACA’s future in jeopardy amid court battles and many young people not eligible, polling earlier this year demonstrates overwhelming support for congressional action on immigration reforms that address border management and security, permanent legal solutions for undocumented immigrants who came to the U.S. as children, and a legal, reliable agricultural workforce. About 80% of voters overall, including 76% of Republicans, supported such reforms.
Today, national security, law enforcement and evangelical Christian leaders are redoubling their support for Dreamers. Business leaders are marking the anniversary with meetings with congressional offices this week and a letter to Congress. And the Alliance for a New Immigration Consensus, a group of some 40 grassroots organizations across the faith, business, agriculture, education, national security, and advocacy communities, is bringing a wider range of voices to the table and pushing for bipartisan reforms, including for Dreamers.
“Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals has been an undisputed success for American employers and communities, but with an asterisk: Its future has never been certain,” said Adam Estle, Vice President of Field and Constituencies at the National Immigration Forum. “We hear the call from every corner of the country: Republicans and Democrats should work together on immigration reforms that create an opportunity for Dreamers to earn legal status and citizenship, alongside stronger border security and solutions for America’s farmers and ranchers.
“DACA recipients and other Dreamers are an integral part of not only America’s businesses and economy, but also our churches and communities. Congress must stop delaying and take action to solidify Dreamers’ contributions.”
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