Issued July 16, 2021
“U.S. District Judge Andrew Hanen’s decision to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA) program is devastating and will only hurt our country by forcing our friends, neighbors, co-workers, and loved ones back into the shadows where they live in fear of deportation and family separation. While renewals will continue for the time being, we hope the decision will be overturned on appeal so that more people can access the program for the first time. Hundreds of thousands of DACA recipients have called this country home for decades. They are our doctors, lawyers, teachers, first responders, and so much more. Many have put their lives on the line to help keep our country running in the middle of a deadly pandemic. Ending DACA will have a catastrophic effect on both our economy and social infrastructure. Congress must create a pathway to citizenship for all undocumented immigrants, many of whom are essential workers. Dreamers, Temporary Protected Status holders, and farmworkers cannot wait any longer. The lives of too many hang in the balance,” said SEIU President Mary Kay Henry.
“Today’s ruling brought back all the feelings I had before DACA was created - fear, anxiety, and sadness. I and so many others are afraid of being forced back into the shadows to live a life of uncertainty, where I’m at risk of being separated from my three children and deported. I had hope that in this country I could someday achieve the American Dream - and I did because of DACA. I was able to raise a family and work as a care worker for senior citizens. All immigrants deserve stability and to live life without fear. Congress must create a pathway to citizenship and finally solve this issue permanently. I stand by SEIU as we call on Congress to finally do their job - create a pathway to citizenship for all immigrants who call this country home,” said Monica Torres, SEIU Member and care worker.