DNC Chair Tom Perez released the following statement on the sixth anniversary of President Obama announcing the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program:

“Six years ago today, President Obama gave Dreamers a new opportunity to step out of the shadows and continue contributing to their communities without fear of deportation. Last year, Donald Trump made the cruel and heartless decision to take it away, throwing the lives of 800,000 people into chaos.

“Democrats believe that diversity and compassion are our nation’s greatest strengths. Instead of uprooting lives and shattering families, Republicans in Congress should join Democrats in taking action to permanently protect Dreamers and fix our broken immigration system. These are our neighbors and friends, our classmates and co-workers. They are American in every way but on paper, and they deserve the chance to stay in the country they call home.”