Issued August 31, 2018
WASHINGTON, D.C.—SEIU International President Mary Kay Henry issued the following statement in reaction to Federal Texas Judge Andrew Hanen’s decision to keep the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program in place:
“Late today a federal judge in Texas denied a request by the state of Texas and 9 other states to stop DACA renewals. This is good news for Dreamers, their families, and our communities.
“These young people trusted their government and came forward in order to fully contribute to the economy, feel safe, and continue to help the country they call home. Dreamers are our friends, neighbors, and classmates; many have purchased their first home or open up businesses.
“Despite this ruling, we need congressional leaders to get to work. New Americans contribute to our communities, culture and economy by their purchasing power in our stores, paying payroll taxes, and bringing new energy and ideas to our country -- that makes us strong as a country.
“SEIU members are ready to put families first and elect new leaders in November who will support all working families, regardless of where they came from. We will fight back against those politicians that seek to divide us and and undermine the role that Dreamers and all new Americans play in our economy and democracy.”
We want to remind DACA recipients of the importance of continuing to file applications to extend their DACA status. Visit iAmerica.org/daca for a STEP-BY-STEP DACA RENEWAL GUIDE from Informed Immigrant.