CHC Chair Nanette Barragán on DACA Anniversary

WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) Chair Nanette Barragán (CA-44) issued the following statement in observance of the 12th anniversary of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.

“12 years ago today, the Obama-Biden administration announced DACA, a program that has provided protections from deportation to over 800,000 young people who were brought to America at a young age. These talented Dreamers have seized their opportunity to live the American Dream. Now, they are doctors, lawyers, teachers, and essential workers who contribute greatly to our economy and our communities. Most importantly, they are just as American as all of us.

The CHC applauds the steps the Biden-Harris administration has already taken to protect Dreamers, including new regulations from the Department of Homeland Security to 'preserve and fortify' the DACA program, fighting states like Texas in court as they attempt to strip them of the only home they have ever known, and action to expand health coverage through the Affordable Care Act. 

Dreamers and their loved ones have endured anxiety and uncertainty throughout years of legal limbo. It’s time Congress passed the bipartisan American Dream and Promise Act, which was reintroduced in the House last year by CHC Whip Rep. Sylvia Garcia (TX-29), CHC member Nydia Velázquez (NY-07), and Yvette Clarke (NY-09). This bill would provide a pathway to citizenship for Dreamers, Temporary Protected Status holders, and Deferred Enforced Departure recipients.

I look forward to joining the President, DACA recipients, and stakeholders at the White House on Tuesday to commemorate the anniversary of DACA and to celebrate Dreamers. The CHC continues to encourage the President and his Administration to meet the moment and take action to help keep families together by protecting the spouses of U.S. Citizens and making it easier for our Dreamers to contribute to our economy with expedited access to work permits and inadmissibility waivers, so they can return quickly after completing the work visa process in their home country. These are just two of a number of executive orders the CHC has asked the President to implement. 

There is no substitute for Congressional action. However, in the face of Congress’ inaction and Republicans’ failure to do anything to provide protections for our Dreamers, the President can and should continue to do all he can to support and protect our friends and neighbors because this is the only country they know. Their home is here."

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