Attorneys General from 23 States Defend DACA

In a recent and significant legal move, attorneys general from 23 U.S. states, all under Democratic administrations, have joined forces in a coordinated effort to challenge a court ruling that threatens the existence of the DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) program. This program, a cornerstone of U.S. immigration policy since its implementation in 2012, has provided protection from removal and work permits to approximately 800,000 young people, known as "Dreamers," who arrived in the country without legal status as children.

The ruling in question was issued by the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, which found that the DACA program is not authorized by law. This decision prompted the attorneys general to ask the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit, based in New Orleans, to overturn the ruling, citing the profound positive impact DACA recipients have had on American society.

The attorneys general argue that Dreamers have considered the United States their home for most of their lives, fully integrating into the country's social and economic fabric. Through the DACA program, they have been able to study, work, and in many cases, serve in the U.S. armed forces. They have also highlighted the crucial role these young people played during the COVID-19 pandemic, when many served in essential roles, helping keep critical sectors of society running.

This coalition of Democratic attorneys general maintains that the ruling declaring DACA illegal not only threatens to displace hundreds of thousands of young people who grew up in the United States, but also undermines their ability to contribute to the economy and the community at large. They emphasize that these young people have paid taxes, contributed to the economy, and served the country in various ways.

The DACA program currently protects approximately 600,000 recipients, with another 86,000 awaiting processing of their applications. The legal action taken by the attorneys general seeks to ensure that these young people can continue living in the United States without the constant fear of removal, while retaining their ability to actively contribute to society.

The final decision of the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals will be decisive for the future of DACA and its recipients. The ongoing legal battle underscores the importance of the program not only for Dreamers and their families, but also for the socioeconomic fabric of the United States. The coalition of attorneys general, along with the support of organizations and communities across the country, hopes that their collective effort can overturn the decision and keep in place the protections DACA offers to young immigrants.