On June 18, the United States Supreme Court issued an opinion preventing the Trump administration from terminating the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, also known as the DACA program.
The court heard the challenge to the Trump administration’s DACA repeal efforts on Nov. 12, 2019. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops submitted an amicus curiae brief in support of maintaining the program.
The DACA program was implemented in 2012 and has enabled approximately 800,000 young people -- who paid a fee and submitted to a background check -- the opportunity to work legally, access educational opportunities and not fear deportation. DACA recipients on average contribute more than $42 billion annually to the U.S. economy.
Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles, who is president of the USCCB, and Bishop Mario E. Dorsonville, auxiliary bishop of Washington and chairman of the USCCB’ Committee on Migration, issued the following statement:
“We welcome the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision noting that the Trump administration did not follow proper administrative procedures required to repeal the DACA program.
“First, to DACA youth, through today’s decision and beyond, we will continue to accompany you and your families. You are a vital part of our Church and our community of faith. We are with you.
“Next, we urge the President to strongly reconsider terminating DACA. Immigrant communities are really hurting now amidst COVID-19 and moving forward with this action needlessly places many families into further anxiety and chaos. In times of uncertainty, let us remember the teachings of the Gospel which encourage us to be open and receptive to those in need: ‘If someone who has worldly means sees a brother in need and refuses him compassion, how can the love of God remain in him?’ (1 John 3:17). In this moment, we must show compassion and mercy for the vulnerable.”
“Lastly, we strongly encourage our U.S. Senators to immediately pass legislation that provides a path to citizenship for Dreamers. Permanent legislative protection that overcomes partisanship and puts the human dignity and future of Dreamers first is long overdue.”
For more information and resources on DACA visit justiceforimmigrants.org/what-we-are-working-on/immigration/daca-resource-page.