Today marks the 5th anniversary of the implementation of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), the landmark executive order signed by President Obama in 2012 that has transformed the lives of more than 800,000 law-abiding DREAMers. DACA has allowed these hardworking young people to come out of the shadows, live without the fear of deportation, and obtain temporary work permits. This anniversary comes at a crucial moment as Republican Attorneys General from across the country have given the Trump Administration an ultimatum to end this vital program by September 5th or they’ll file suit against it.
DCCC Hispanic Media Director and DACA recipient Javier Gamboa issued the following statement:
“DACA has profoundly transformed our country and the lives of over 800,000 DREAMers for the better since it was first signed by President Obama. Children who were brought to this country through no fault of their own have finally been given the opportunity to come out of shadows in the only country they know as home.
“Sadly, our progress is under constant threat. From the moment this vital program was enacted, House Republicans have played politics with the lives of hundreds of thousands of hardworking DREAMers who are striving to achieve the American Dream. To be certain, midterm voters in critical swing districts across the country stand ready to vote out House Republicans who pretend to care about immigrant communities when it’s politically convenient, but lack the moral courage and leadership to deliver on immigration reform.”