Issued June 28, 2019
WASHINGTON—Today, the U.S. Supreme Court announced that it would review whether President Trump's decision to terminate the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program was legal. Following the announcement, SEIU International Executive Vice President and iAmerica Action President Rocio Sáenz issued the following statement:
"We are confident that the Supreme Court will agree with what courts across the country have found, that DACA is lawful and president Trump's decision to terminate DACA violated the law.
“We urge the Senate to pass the Dream and Promise Act, which passed the U.S. House of Representatives earlier this month with an overwhelming, bipartisan support. The Dream and Promise Act would allow Dreamers and people who have grown up in the U.S. or have lived and worked in the U.S. legally for years to remain here without fear of deportation and be able to thrive.
“If Congress doesn’t act, it will drive more people deeper into the shadows and the underground economy, which makes it harder for workers to organize and win better wages and working conditions.
“Real lives are at stake, like that of an incredible young woman named Yamilex. She fled here with her sister from Guatemala after their father was murdered and home was no longer a safe place. Their mom works hard as a janitor, and Yamilex is in school and an active part of her community. The United States is her home and she is exactly the type of people we should want in our country. Everyday that goes by is another day that Yamilex and other Dreamers have to live in fear of being ripped away from their families, schools, and jobs.”
“Working families will use the strength of our union to keep standing up for each other and demand that our elected leaders put families first and provide a better future for all working people and our children.”