1 JUN 2023

Immigration Hub’s Sergio Gonzales: “It’s Past Time to Protect Dreamers, Our Leaders Must Take Action”

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, the Southern District of Texas is hearing oral arguments on the Texas v. United States Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) case, a lawsuit launched by GOP politicians intending to terminate DACA and revoke work permits and deportation protections from our nation’s Dreamers. In reaction to the hearing, Sergio Gonzales, the Executive Director of the Immigration Hub, issued the following statement:

“Today’s hearing is yet another reminder of the uncertainty our nation’s Dreamers face as their fate and livelihoods remain in the hands of conservative courts ready to terminate DACA. I will not mince words: DACA is on life support and the urgency for our leaders to act to protect Dreamers has never been higher.

“The reality remains that continued Republican obstruction has made it extremely difficult for Congress to deliver crucial, permanent protections that Dreamers need and the majority of Americans support. Congress has neglected to do its job and we urge leaders of both parties to come together to negotiate a solution. Unfortunately, given the Republican leadership of the House does not support protections for Dreamers, it is unlikely that Congress will pass protections soon. 

“In the absence of congressional action, we call on President Biden to use every tool at his disposal to provide a path forward for the hundreds of thousands of Dreamers, many of whom worked on the frontlines of the COVID pandemic and contributed billions to the economy without yet fully being recognized as the Americans they truly are. Streamlining legal processes to allow more Dreamers to apply for legal status through existing channels would enable them to live without the fear of deportation and to continue to work lawfully in the nation they already call home.

“Let’s be clear, the stakes are too high to leave our nation’s Dreamers at the mercy of the court. Our leaders cannot abandon Dreamers and their families at this pivotal time. The American public overwhelmingly supports providing immigrant families, including Dreamers, with a path forward and protection from deportation. It's time for our leaders to heed this call.”

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The Immigration Hub is a national organization dedicated to advancing fair and just immigration policies through strategic leadership, innovative communications strategies, legislative advocacy and collaborative partnerships.