Washington, D.C.— The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) represents a vital opportunity for thousands of recipients, even 13 years after its announcement and amid ongoing legal challenges. After years of inaction by Congress, the Forum urges our elected leaders to enact permanent legislative solutions for Dreamers. Jennie Murray, president and CEO of the National Immigration Forum, issued the following statement:
“For 13 years, DACA has provided undocumented immigrants brought to the U.S. as children with temporary protection from deportation and work authorization. The journey of DACA recipients has been marked by uncertainty. Providing them with a legal pathway for permanent residency is an imperative that has been delayed for too long.Given the current shift in immigration policy, protecting the future of Dreamers is more urgent than ever —decisive action is needed now.
“DACA recipients —and Dreamers in general— have become essential contributors to the economy and workforce, paying taxes and filling critical roles in key industries. They have emerged as leaders in their workplaces and communities, with many of them putting down roots by purchasing houses, forming families and raising American children.
“Congress must honor the contributions of Dreamers by enacting lasting protections—and to provide the stability that American communities, employers and workers urgently need.”