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Texas Decision Reinforces Urgent Need for Congressional Resolution

(Arlington, VA) – Today, District Court Judge Andrew Hanen of the Southern District of Texas ruled on a DACA challenge brought by Texas and other states – temporarily declining to order an end to the program. This comes only a few weeks after the D.C. Circuit Court issued a ruling that would have the effect of completely restoring DACA, permitting both new enrollments and renewal by existing enrollees. With Circuit Courts having rendered inconsistent decisions, some have suggested the Supreme Court will ultimately be asked to rule on DACA.

The LIBRE Initiative, in partnership with Freedom Partners Chamber of Commerce, previously launched a seven-figure campaign in support of a permanent legislative solution to provide certainty for the Dreamers and enhanced security at the border.

 

Daniel Garza, President of The LIBRE Initiative, released the following statement:

“This decision highlights the importance of Congress and the president acting to finally pass legislation that provides certainty for the Dreamers and enhanced security for the country. Today’s decision only prolongs the uncertainty facing the Dreamers and their communities across the country. Each day without a resolution is one less that these talented and hard working individuals may fully contribute to our nation with their talent, dedication and ideas.

The American people strongly support efforts to provide permanent legal status to the young people brought here as children, who know no other home than America. The president offered a groundbreaking proposal to protect 1.8 million Dreamers, but the other components of the proposal proved too difficult to achieve consensus. Despite the best efforts of advocates in Congress, no legislation has passed to date – although it is clear there is majority support for such a bill.

The courts may ultimately decide that the president can terminate DACA, but they cannot resolve the question of how to address the status of the Dreamers. Congress must do that. Now is the time to pass legislation which has bipartisan and public support: one that is focused on combining protection for the Dreamers with significant new funding for border security.”

For interviews with a representative from the LIBRE Initiative, please contact Brian Faughnan, 202-805-1581 or Wadi Gaitan, 202-853-4463