FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 15, 2021
CONTACT:
Fernanda Durand
214.402.0186
fernanda@communicationsshop.us
DACA Anniversary Provides a Chance for Congress to Ensure Pathway a to Citizenship for Undocumented Youth
On Tuesday, June 15, the 9th anniversary of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program (DACA), the Senate Judiciary Committee will hold a hearing on the American Dream and Promise Act of 2021, which passed the House of Representatives in March. The Act will provide a pathway to citizenship for more than four million undocumented youth, Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders, and Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) holders in the U.S. today. Below is a statement from Frankie Miranda, President and CEO of Hispanic Federation, as well as reflection from DACA recipients themselves on what a pathway to citizenship would mean to them:
“Over the past nine years, the DACA program has shielded thousands of young people from being removed from the country they call home and separated from their families, friends, and communities. Since then, DACA recipients have had the chance to pursue their education and further contribute to society by building businesses, creating jobs, and supporting their communities – and served as essential workers at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, without permanent protections and a pathway to citizenship, their future has been held hostage in political power plays. After countless threats of ending DACA from the previous presidential administration, many families continue to live a life of uncertainty and fear. Nine years is far too long to live in limbo,” said Miranda. “DACA recipients, TPS holders, and DED beneficiaries represent hundreds of thousands of valuable community members across our nation. Passing the Dream and Promise Act of 2021 would ensure they would finally have access to a pathway to citizenship. Today these families also have hope. The Senate and the Biden administration have the opportunity to do what’s right for immigrants and for the country. Regardless of their immigration status, no one should live in fear of being torn away from their families and home. We’ve all waited long enough. We need Congress to pass the Dream and Promise Act now.”
Jorge F. Alguera is an Assistant Director for City University of New York (CUNY) Black Male Initiative, and DACA recipient who moved to the U.S. at the age of 11 from an impoverished and dangerous neighborhood in the suburbs of San José, Costa Rica. He is now 37 years old, and still without any permanent protections to safeguard him from deportation.
“When the Executive Order passing DACA was signed, I remember thinking, ‘The day I’ve been dreaming of is here!’ I lived close to 18 years without status, trying to “play by the rules” and putting many things on hold - starting a family, buying property - and to this day, our fate hangs and swings from presidential administration to administration,” said Alguera. “Without DACA, I would not be where I am today, and as I pursue law school in the middle of a pandemic, I am grateful for my job that is possible because of DACA. Fortunately, I am the only one left in my family without permanent legal status. A path to citizenship would mean stability and security for me. It also means the ability to make long-term financial decisions.”
Violeta Luna Chico is a 21-year-old BMCC student studying to become a social worker, and DACA recipient who received financial support from Hispanic Federation’s DREAMer Fund to help her cover some basic expenses. She came to the U.S. from Mexico when she was one year old.
“I’m thankful for having DACA in my life. I went from struggling to find a decent job, to getting one that supports me and my education. But without citizenship, I feel stuck,” said Luna Chico. “A pathway to citizenship will help me and my family in so many ways. Only God knows how much I pray at night to be able to go see my family from Mexico. I would be able to go see my family, and come back to finish my education. I would be able to vote and really get involved in making a change.”
