Barragán Statement on Supreme Court DACA Decision

WASHINGTON, D.C. – After the June 18, Supreme Court decision on the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, Congresswoman Nanette Diaz Barragán, 2^nd Vice Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, made the following statement:

“DACA recipients can breathe a sigh of relief this morning, as the Supreme Court ruled they are safe for now.

“But this fight is not over. We know the Trump Administration will try again to end this important program.

“Congress MUST fix this and protect Dreamers. We must pass H.R. 6, the American Dream and Promise Act. 

“Today is a welcome moment of relief for so many young immigrants amidst a time of tragedy and uncertainty in Latino and immigrant communities. The Supreme Court’s decision in this case temporarily upholds the ability of more than 700,000 residents to live and work in the only country many of them have ever known. For now, more than 8,000 neighbors, friends, and community members in my district will now have the ability to continue to work and live openly in these troubling times.

“This also means that the 29,000 DACA recipients that are healthcare workers will be able to stay on the job and help our nation fight back against COVID-19. For that, we should all be very grateful. But make no mistake, the Court’s decision does not give Dreamers the full protections and certainty that they need.

“Despite the Trump Administration’s anti-immigrant policies, rhetoric and their repeated attempts to frighten and marginalize America’s immigrant community, this challenge has made us more organized and stronger than ever.

“Today is a proud day for our country, but the fight is not over. This decision does not create long-term certainty in order to truly protect DACA recipients.

“We must provide certainty by making sure the American Dream and Promise Act becomes law. I will keep up the fight to get this law enacted and I will continue to be a fierce advocate for immigrant and human rights in Washington.”