HISPANIC FEDERATION DENOUNCES FEDERAL JUDGE’S RULING ON DACA, RENEWS CALL FOR PATHWAY TO CITIZENSHIP FOR DREAMERS
For Immediate Release: September 13, 2023
Contact: media@hispanicfederation.org
On Wednesday, September 13, a federal judge declared that the DACA program is unlawful. While new, first-time DACA applications will not be accepted, current DACA recipients can continue reapplying to the program. In response to these developments, Hispanic Federation President and CEO Frankie Miranda issued the following statement:
“We firmly denounce U.S. Southern District of Texas Judge Andrew Hanen’s decision to declare the DACA program illegal. While the Judge’s decision will be challenged and the program remains in place, it will only cause more confusion, harm, and hate among immigrant communities.
More than a decade ago, President Barack Obama unlocked the doors of opportunity for hundreds of thousands of young adults and children when his administration created the DACA program. These Dreamers did not hesitate. They seized the moment and went on to become our teachers, doctors, nurses, first responders and so much more. They supercharged our economy, contributing billions of dollars in tax revenue on a yearly basis. And many became mothers and fathers to U.S. children, showing the world that the American Dream is alive and well. These are part of the many reasons Americans across the country broadly support this program and laws that would provide permanent legal status to Dreamers.
DACA was always meant to be a temporary program as Congress explored a more permanent solution. 11 years later, we’ve reached a critical moment. Time is running out for Dreamers, and their future lies squarely in the hands of Congress. Let's be clear - the only reason why DACA recipients do not have a path to citizenship is because they continue to be used as a political pawn by members of congress. Congress cannot keep failing our Dreamers, their families, and communities. They must take action and create a pathway to citizenship as soon as possible.
Our message to DACA recipients and all Dreamers: Hispanic Federation will not stop advocating and fighting until Congress creates a pathway to citizenship while also establishing a humane and comprehensive immigration system. We also encourage all current DACA recipients to continue renewing their DACA applications and showcasing the strength and commitment they bring to this country.”
