Statement Marking Anniversary of DACA From Building Back Together

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 15, 2024
PRESS CONTACT: [email protected]

STATEMENT MARKING ANNIVERSARY OF DACA FROM BUILDING BACK TOGETHER

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Building Back Together Deputy Executive Director Javier Gamboa released the following statement in recognition of the twelve-year anniversary of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) policy announcement:

“Since it was first announced twelve years ago, DACA has provided crucial opportunities to hundreds of thousands of immigrants brought to this country at a young age, like myself. DACA removed the fear of deportation that many of us experienced, allowed us to work and pursue careers, and most importantly, gave us the opportunity to live the American Dream. Although established as a necessary and temporary solution due to Republicans’ inaction in Congress, DACA recipients and their invaluable contributions continue to play an integral part in American life as we know it today.

“From his time as vice president under President Obama to his current role as president, President Biden has been a longtime supporter of DACA recipients and Dreamers, constantly advocating for a pathway to citizenship. Over the past three years, the Biden-Harris Administration has taken actions to defend and expand protections under the DACA program, including in the courts and by removing barriers to the Affordable Care Act for recipients — enabling over 100,000 young people to gain health insurance. Yet, more work remains. For too long, Republicans in Congress and conservative judges have obstructed long overdue reforms to our broken and outdated immigration system in an attempt to undo significant protections strengthened under DACA — jeopardizing the safety and security of hundreds of thousands of immigrants impacted by this policy.

“We look forward to continuing to advocate and work with this administration to help fulfill its commitment to defending Dreamers and advancing legislation for immigrant communities.”

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