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Statement on Supreme Court Decision to Uphold DACA

June 19, 2020

EVANSTON, IL – Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, a Senior Chief Deputy Whip and Vice Chair of the Democracy Reform Task Force, released the following statement applauding the Supreme Court's decision to uphold the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program:

"The Supreme Court has overturned the Trump Administration's cruel and illegal termination of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. I am thrilled that today, hundreds of thousands of children, teens, and adults can breathe a sigh of relief because of what this decision means. This decision means that the DACA recipients, also known as Dreamers, can continue to live and work in the United States without fear of deportation. It also means that Dreamers can renew their status and new applicants can receive protection under the program. Most importantly, it means that families and communities can stay together. I am so proud of the work of the roughly 700,000 Dreamers, advocates, attorneys, and others that have made this possible.

"President Obama enacted the DACA program nearly 8 years ago in order to prevent the deportation of Americans who were brought to this country as children and grew up knowing only the United States as home. Since that time, we have seen over 700,000 Dreamers thrive and contribute to our nation and society. They are our doctors, nurses, lawyers, teachers, entrepreneurs, and so much more. And amid the COVID-19 pandemic we have seen how vital they are to our country. Thousands of DACA recipients are working tirelessly to protect, help, and heal our nation as essential workers and health care providers.

"While we celebrate today's win, we must remember our work is not done. We must keep working to provide permanent protections and citizenship to Dreamers. As a member of Congress, I will continue fighting to pass a clean Dream Act and push our legislature to move comprehensive immigration reform. The time is now to provide a path to citizenship for our cherished Dreamers as well as TPS and DED holders. Home is here!"

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