B Stands for Believe

Good afternoon,

Last Friday, Texas federal judge Andrew Hanen ruled that the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program is illegal. Established in 2012, DACA provides work authorization and protection from deportation to undocumented immigrants who came to the United States as children. These Dreamers have established their lives in the U.S. and become valuable members of our communities. For many, this country is the only home they know.

The ruling prevents current and future applicants from being approved, affecting over 80,000 pending DACA applicants now in immediate risk of deportation and without the possibility of working legally in the U.S.

While the protections for current DACA recipients are kept in place for now, the decision paves the way for the dissolution of the program all together in the coming months.

Faith, business, law enforcement and national security voices responded to the ruling, urging Congress to act and provide a permanent legislative solution for Dreamers with urgency.

 Scott Arbeiter, President, World Relief:

"This new decision is devastating for these resilient young people, and for their families, churches, communities and employers. Congress should not wait for further court decisions: they must act immediately to finally pass legislation that the significant majority of Americans, including the majority of evangelical Christians, say they support."

Cameron Ventura, Executive Customer Relations Manager, Amazon, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina:

"Congress’ inaction over the past twelve years has culminated in this very moment in which the fate of hundreds of thousands of our neighbors, who have proven their responsibility and value to our communities, hangs precariously. Congress must act today for the good of our nation and the good of our local neighborhoods."

Chief Mike Tupper, Marshalltown, Iowa:

"Making DACA permanent — and pushing forward with commonsense immigration reforms — makes sense now more than ever. With businesses everywhere struggling to find employees, meaningful immigration policies will benefit our economy. Our communities will be safer and stronger if our representatives in Congress can work across the aisle to find permanent solutions that benefit Dreamers and all essential workers. It is time to act."

Elaine Dezenski, Former Assistant Secretary for Policy Development at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security:

"A strong economy is integral to our national security, and Dreamers are an important part of the American workforce. Judge Hanen’s decision makes it clear that Congress must step in to provide a pathway to citizenship for Dreamers who contribute to their communities and their country – the only home many of them have ever known. At this point, threats aren’t helpful – real, long-term policy is."

We are disappointed by Friday’s ruling but will continue to press forward toward a permanent legislative solution, such as the Dream Act. Only Congress can ensure that Dreamers are protected, making DACA no longer necessary.

You can take action now by urging your Senator to pass a permanent solution for Dreamers.

Stay healthy and hopeful,

Adam

Adam Estle
Vice President of Field and Constituencies
National Immigration Forum 

NEWS CLIPS TO NOTE:

NPR: The Biden Administration Vows To Appeal A Federal Ruling Deeming DACA Unlawful

NEW YORK TIMES: The number of migrants arriving at the border was the largest in years.

NBC NEWS: Biden admin rethinking plan to lift Covid restrictions that blocked thousands from crossing border

POLITICO: U.S. in final talks to house Afghan interpreters at Qatar, Kuwait military bases