Washington, D.C. — Thursday’s appeals court hearing on a challenge to Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) accentuates the uncertainty Dreamers, their employers and communities face and the need for Congress to pass legislation to allow Dreamers to remain in the U.S.
In September 2023, U.S. District Court Judge Andrew Hanen ruled that DACA is unlawful, but stayed his ruling pending appeal. The case now comes before the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. In light of the court decisions, hundreds of thousands of DACA recipients brought to the U.S. as children could eventually lose their work authorization and protection from deportation.
“Until Congress takes action, the future will remain uncertain — not just for Dreamers but also for their families, their communities, and their employers and employees,” said Jennie Murray, President and CEO of the National Immigration Forum. “DACA has always been only a temporary solution, and Congress must act to provide certainty.” “Americans want our leaders to create pathways that will allow Dreamers to cement their contributions to the U.S. Dreamers are part of our communities. Many have U.S. citizen children and spouses. They are our neighbors and friends. This hearing reminds us that the status quo for Dreamers is highly uncertain. Republicans and Democrats in Congress must act.”