In honor of the 12th Anniversary of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), DNC Chair Jaime Harrison released the following statement:

“Twelve years ago today, President Obama offered hundreds of thousands of young immigrants, known as Dreamers, the opportunity to pursue their own American dreams through the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. Back then, President Obama knew and acted upon a simple truth — immigrants are sewn into the fabric of our nation: the rich cultural diversity and invincible desire for a better future that immigrants bring to our communities makes America a truly great, unique nation. Dreamers built their lives, their careers, and their stories in America. Their contributions to our nation help grow our economy, inspire innovation, and represent the future that their parents hoped for them.

“On his very first day in office, President Biden took swift action to strengthen DACA and protect Dreamers. For the past three and a half years, he has reaffirmed his commitment to Dreamers by expanding health coverage for DACA recipients, directing the Department of Homeland Security to ‘preserve and fortify’ DACA, and by calling on Congress time and time again to provide a pathway to citizenship for Dreamers. Under President Biden’s leadership, Dreamers continue to offer invaluable contributions to our country and pursue their dreams in the only country they know to be home. 

“While it’s important to celebrate the milestone DACA reaches today, we must remember the threat a second Trump administration poses to Dreamers and their futures. During his time in office, Trump took every possible opportunity to try and terminate DACA and was all too eager to appoint judges who are willing to strip young immigrants of the robust lives and futures they built in the United States. The stakes of this election are high, and Dreamers can’t afford to risk another four years of Trump. 

“President Biden and Democrats remain steadfast in their unwavering support for DACA. This November, Dreamers’ lives are on the ballot, and we must mobilize to send President Biden back to the White House with a Congress that will protect and strengthen DACA.”