Comments on DACA From Congress Members Crowley and Engel

Chairman Crowley Statement on the 6th Anniversary of DACA

  House Democratic Caucus Chairman Joe Crowley issued the following statement in recognition of the 6th anniversary of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program:

“DREAMers were brought to this country by their parents, looking for a better life. The DACA program allowed them to live in the only country they’ve ever known, the only country they’ve ever loved. They have started careers, families, and businesses, and contributed immeasurably to our economy and society.

“Six years after this program brought relief and stability to these young adults, these DREAMers have now been put in limbo thanks to the xenophobic policies of the Trump administration and the heartlessness of the Republican Congress. They no longer know if they can continue pursuing their education, or get the job they have been working so hard for, or keep taking care of their young children.

“Republicans are now pursuing a highly partisan bill that is a reiteration of President Trump’s harshest immigration policies. The real solution for DREAMers lies in finally passing the DREAM Act and a pathway to citizenship, so that these students, doctors, service members, teachers, parents, neighbors, and friends can continue living the American dream.”

Engel Statement on 6^th Anniversary of DACA

“Six years ago, President Obama established the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, giving protected status and work authorization to 800,000 hardworking young DREAMers brought to this country as children. DACA recipients are our neighbors, teachers, servicemembers, health care professionals, and friends. Their contributions have made our country great.

 “President Trump’s decision to end DACA and force hundreds of thousands into legal limbo was cruel and unnecessary. I have spent the past 10 months fighting to protect DREAMers and their families. Earlier this week, 216 members of Congress had reached a bipartisan compromise to offer a permanent legislative solution to DACA. Unfortunately, GOP leaders derailed the process and are holding DREAMers hostage to enact the President’s hyper-partisan, anti-immigrant agenda. And all this is happening while immigrant families are being torn apart at the border by an Administration run amok.

“We’re better than this. The American people overwhelming support DREAMers and I will continue fighting to ensure our country remains open and free to all.”