Issued October 05, 2022
WASHINGTON, DC – Today a Federal Appeals Court ruled in Texas v. United States that the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program is unlawful, but kept it in place pending further review of the DACA rule by the lower court. SEIU President Mary Kay Henry issued the following statement:
“The 5th Circuit Court of Appeals’ decision keeps DACA in place, for now. But that’s not enough and the program remains in great danger. Congress has the power to eliminate that danger, and it must act immediately. We are counting on Democrats to do all in their power to make that happen, and it is time for Republicans to stop stoking fear and instead to step forward on behalf of people who contribute so much to our nation.
DACA recipients came to this country as children and have been given a chance to fully participate in our country without fear of deportation for over a decade. They have grown up to be our neighbors, teachers, homecare workers, first responders, frontline workers and so much more. DACA recipients have built families and careers while becoming a crucial part of our nation.
Ending the program would only hurt our social and economic fabric. As our partners continue to fight in court to keep DACA in place, SEIU’s 2 million members are calling on Congress to finally create a pathway to citizenship for all undocumented immigrants who have long called this country home, including Dreamers, Temporary Portected Status holders and so many others. The only question is whether our elected leaders will have the courage to act. Working people are watching.”