NILC Statement on the 10-year Anniversary of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 15, 2022

CONTACT
Email: [email protected],
Emily Morris, 213-457-7458
Madison Allman, 202-384-1279

NILC Statement on the 10-year Anniversary of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals

WASHINGTON — Today, the National Immigration Law Center celebrates the 10th anniversary of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA).

Marielena Hincapié, executive director of the National Immigration Law Center, said: “On this 10th anniversary of one of the most transformative public policies, we at the National Immigration Law Center stand proud of having supported immigrant youth in achieving DACA and in leading its successful implementation. For the last decade, DACA has provided hundreds of thousands of people with opportunities to pursue their work and educational goals, better provide for themselves and their families, and more fully contribute to their communities.

“Despite its success, we have had to defend DACA against relentless attacks since its inception. DACA has served as a lifeline, but DACA recipients need lasting stability. Voters across the political spectrum overwhelmingly favor a permanent solution, and lawmakers have a mandate to deliver. We call on Congress to urgently pass a permanent legislative solution.”

Diana Pliego, a policy associate at the National Immigration Law Center and a DACA recipient who first applied for the policy in 2012, said: “DACA transformed my life and has allowed me to walk through doors I never imagined I could. But the life I have stands on shaky ground: DACA has been constantly under attack. It was never meant to be a permanent solution. Our community needs stability in the country we call home. We seek full inclusion, access to basic human rights like health care, and citizenship. It is past time for Congress to step up and fulfill the promises that they’ve made to our community. Enough is enough.”

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