Washington, D.C.- Today, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals is hearing oral arguments in Texas vs. United States, in which Texas and a number of other states are arguing that DACA was not enacted using proper procedures or authorizations. With pro-Trump judges at all levels of appelate courts and a conservative super majority on the Supreme Court, we cannot trust that any courts will step in to save DACA.
In a federal court system that has gone increasingly rogue and decides cases not on the basis of the law, but rather on conservative ideological views, a ruling against DACA will result in irreparable damage to families and communities across the country.
The following is a quote from Yuna Oh, Political Associate for America’s Voice, who is also a DACA recipient:
“Republicans are deliberately using DACA as a political weapon. With pro-Trump judges at their side, they are painting Dreamers as threats to our country instead of acknowledging the key role we play in it. DACA recipients such as myself are essential and hardworking contributors to the U.S., and continued protections for the more than 600,000 recipients is urgently needed and should be extended to others who qualify for the program. Instead of common sense solutions that the American public supports by over 80%, Republicans continue to politicize and attack a program that works for America and by all rights should lead to permanent status, even citizenship. The program they fight against has nevertheless allowed Dreamers to contribute an estimated $11.7 billion to the economy every year, and become an inextricable thread in the fabric of America. It is imperative that steps are taken to protect DACA outside the court system, including USCIS processing renewals as quickly as possible and allowing new applicants.
I have lived in the U.S. almost my entire life. This is my home. Congress must take charge and provide a permanent legislative solution and pass a pathway to citizenship immediately.”
