Voto Latino Condemns DACA Ruling, Calls for Congressional Action to Protect Dreamers

In response to a decision by the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals declaring the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program to be unlawful, Maria Teresa Kumar, President and CEO of Voto Latino, issued the following statement.

“Today’s decision is wrong on the merits and bad for our country. This ruling was made by three GOP judges who put their political agenda ahead of the law–and ahead of the lives of hundreds of thousands of Dreamers who have benefited from this program. DACA hasn’t just allowed those individuals to thrive; it’s strengthened our community and our country in countless ways. DACA recipients are part of our nation, and they’ve enriched this nation immeasurably, especially the 343,000 individuals who served as frontline workers during the pandemic.

The next step is clear: Congress must act to protect Dreamers and the communities they’re part of. It’s not just the right thing to do, it’s supported by a broad majority of Americans who understand how important Dreamers are to our country.

We must use the midterm elections to send a clear signal that we support Dreamers. That means lifting our voices at the ballot box and demanding Congress to act and protect Dreamers.”

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Voto Latino is a grassroots political organization focused on educating and empowering a new generation of Latinx voters, as well as creating a more robust and inclusive democracy. Through innovative digital campaigns, culturally relevant programs and authentic voices, we shepherd the Latinx community towards the full realization of its political power.