Congressional Hispanic Caucus Chair Castro Statement on Supreme Court’s Decision to Protect Dreamers

SAN ANTONIO—Congressional Hispanic Caucus Chair Joaquin Castro (TX-20) issued the following statement on the Supreme Court's ruling against President Trump's decision to end the DACA program:

"The Supreme Court ruled with the American people and immigrant families against the cruelty and unlawfulness of the Trump administration."

"Today is a victory for Dreamers, but also highlights the need for Congress to provide permanent protection from deportation. We've seen how the cruelty of President Trump has no limit and we expect the administration to continue its efforts to try and terminate the DACA program—we are committed to fighting for Dreamers and immigrant families.

"Over a year ago, House Democrats passed the American Dream and Promise Act to shield Dreamers and TPS holders from deportation and create an opportunity for permanent legal status — more than a year later H.R.6 is still pending a vote in the Republican-controlled Senate. Donald Trump and Mitch McConnell must not hold Dreamers hostage for politician gain and should immediately bring H.R.6 for a vote. The lives of immigrant youth are not leverage for a negotiation.

"Dreamers are Americans. Period. They're our family members, friends, co-workers, neighbors, and represent the best of our nation. They're young, brave, hardworking, people worthy of dignity and respect, and protection from immigration enforcement.

"Since 2017, when President Trump announced he was ending the DACA program, 650,000 people have been living in fear and limbo, including over 100,000 Texans. This pain is an unnecessary burden inflicted by Trump as part of his anti-immigrant agenda.

"DACA recipients are also essential workers on the frontlines of the coronavirus pandemic, part of our nation's "essential critical infrastructure" working as first responders and health care professionals. Dreamers are a vital part of every aspect of American society.

"Immigrant youth and families are here to stay."

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The Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), founded in December 1976, is organized as a Congressional Member organization, governed under the Rules of the U.S. House of Representatives. The CHC is dedicated to voicing and advancing, through the legislative process, issues affecting Hispanics in the United States, Puerto Rico and U.S. Territories.