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MULTI-STATE DACA LAWSUIT INCREASES UNCERTAINTY FOR DREAMERS AND THE NATION

(Arlington, VA) – Yesterday, Texas and six other states filed suit challenging the legality of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, which was initiated by President Obama in 2012. President Trump announced the end of DACA last September, but provided a six month window before it was terminated, encouraging Congress to address the status of the Dreamers during this time. With Congress and the White House still unable to come together on a long-term solution, multiple court decisions have led to the continuation of the program for the time being.

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

“This is starting to feel like Groundhog Day. For years, we have been calling on Congress to pass legislation to address the status of the Dreamers. But because Congress and the president continue in their inability to come together on this issue, a litany of lawsuits and court decisions make the already-uncertain situation much more complex. The Dreamers were brought here through no fault of their own. They are workers, students, and men and women in our armed services. Until a law that provides them certainty is enacted, they are unable to plan their lives and futures. That hurts all of our communities, and it is contributing to greater division in our nation over how to address this important question. It is time for Congress and the president to agree on the existing proposal to protect 1.8 million Dreamers and increase border security funding by $25 billion. This will provide certainty for the Dreamers and enhanced security for our nation.”

Freedom Partners Executive Vice President Nathan Nascimento issued the following statement:

“This lawsuit is fresh evidence that Congress must get moving now to enact a permanent solution for Dreamers. Every day Congress dithers, the situation grows more complex, adding greater uncertainty to the economy and further tormenting Dreamers and their families.

“Many employers are desperate for good workers and Dreamers hold immense potential to increase their contributions to the workforce and their communities. However, the looming DACA cloud hinders the ability for many to make long-term plans and decisions.

“This is no way to treat contributing members of our society who know America as their only home. Republicans and Democrats must come together on a bipartisan deal to provide a permanent solution for Dreamers. The American people overwhelmingly support a Dreamer fix. Coupling it with enhanced border security provides a practical path to get there now. What are we waiting for?”

 

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

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