WASHNGTON, DC – Faith groups from across the United States express their deep concern regarding the decision made by a Texas federal court on the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. The ruling announced on July 16 “vacates” the memo that established the DACA program, which partially terminates the program by blocking new DACA applicants. In response to this cruel ruling and moved by our faith convictions, the Interfaith Immigration Coalition (IIC) demands that Congress act now to pass a path to citizenship for Dreamers, Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders, farmworkers, and other essential workers and their families to honor the inherent dignity of our immigrant neighbors, family members, and fellow congregants – a demand that faith leaders from across the country have been making all summer.
“We are once again reminded that DACA and every other program that offers immigrant communities modest but vulnerable protections have fallen short of truly offering relief and the stability of knowing they can live, work, and participate in society without fear of deportation,” stated Peniel Ibe, Policy Engagement Coordinator at the American Friends Service Committee and IIC Co-Chair. “Under multiple administrations, Congress refused to take action, and instead increased already bloated budgets for immigration enforcement agencies while expressing disingenuous support for DACA beneficiaries. The responsibility to heal the harm done, provide permanency, and transform the lives of DACA beneficiaries and other undocumented immigrants lies with Congress in this moment.”
“DACA recipients and Dreamers are integral members of our places of worship, communities, and broader society. A vast number of young people, hundreds of thousands of children, and families who have come to rely on the temporary protection from deportation and work authorization offered by this status have yet another court decision to agonize over. Judge’s Hanen’s decision is the latest in a series of challenges to DACA that remind us once again that there is only one path forward for the permanent protection and opportunities that DACA recipients and their families long for. The White House and Congress must utilize every tool at their disposal to protect DACA recipients and pass legislation to earn citizenship,” said Giovana Oaxaca, Program Director for Migration Policy with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and IIC Citizenship Working Group Co-Lead. “Lamentably, thousands are caught in limbo. We support immediate action to protect them as well as more broadly, the undocumented community which has deep ties to this country.”
“Friday’s ruling by Judge Hanen is yet another blow to DACA recipients and especially to new DACA applicants. It is a constant reminder that immigrants with temporary protection will always be vulnerable to attacks and legal challenges. Temporary protection isn’t a solution and should never be,” said José Arnulfo Cabrera, Director of Education and Advocacy for Migration at the Ignatian Solidarity Network and IIC Citizenship Working Group Co-Lead. “It is not enough for Congress to simply expand existing immigration policies that have excluded many people, or to wait for rulings that will only temporarily stabilize DACA recipients’ realities. We call on Congress to practice moral courage and pass legislation that will create a pathway to citizenship for DACA recipients, their families, and their undocumented community.”
The Interfaith Immigration Coalition is made up of over 55 national, faith-based organizations brought together across many theological traditions with a common call to seek just policies that lift up the God-given dignity of every individual. In partnership, we work to protect the rights, dignity, and safety of all refugees and migrants. Follow us on Twitter @interfaithimm
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