CAPAC Marks Third Anniversary of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) Program
Washington, D.C. – Today marks the third anniversary of President Obama’s announcement of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. The program puts on hold the deportation of many undocumented youth living in the United States, and allows immigrants who meet certain requirements – including coming to the U.S. before they turned 16, attending school or serving in the military – to temporarily stay and work in the U.S. Last November, the President expanded DACA to include immigrants who were previously too old for the program and created the Deferred Action Program for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents (DAPA). Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) Chair Congresswoman Judy Chu and CAPAC Immigration Task Force Chair Mike Honda released the following statements:
Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-27), CAPAC Chair:
“Three years ago today, President Obama put into action what millions of us knew in our hearts: immigrants are woven into our communities and they are not going anywhere. After the House Republican leadership made clear they were not going to take up comprehensive immigration reform last year, the President took the legal and moral step of clarifying that those who have made America their home, have laid down roots, and are contributing to our communities are not deportation priorities.
“In fact, allowing them to stay and continue their education or work will keep families together and grow our economy by $230 billion over ten years. The only solution continues to be a legislative solution that creates a path to citizenship and overhauls our broken immigration system. But with Republican leadership still unwilling to act responsibly, the President’s DACA program gives peace of mind to young DREAMers while building the economy we need. I will continue to protect these programs as the fight for comprehensive immigration reform continues.”
Congressman Mike Honda (CA-17), CAPAC Immigration Task Force Chair:
“Today, we celebrate the third anniversary of one of the most important achievements in immigration reform: the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). In my own district, I have seen and heard from the young people who benefited directly from this program and have been able to join our community. Their pursuit of the American Dream is a reminder that immigration reform is still needed after Republican leadership failed to bring comprehensive immigration reform to the floor for a vote. As we celebrate the countless opportunities that DACA has provided, let us not forget the 5 million immigrants who have yet to benefit from the expanded DACA and Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents (DAPA) programs that are held up in the courts. Today is a reminder that bringing individuals out from the shadows and into the light will benefit us all, as I have seen firsthand how much the DACA fellows I have welcomed to my congressional office have contributed to the work we do in Congress.”
###
The Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) is comprised of Members of Congress of Asian and Pacific Islander descent and Members who have a strong dedication to promoting the well-being of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. Currently chaired by Congresswoman Judy Chu, CAPAC has been addressing the needs of the AAPI community in all areas of American life since it was founded in 1994.