Statement on the DACA ruling in Texas

On Friday, a federal judge in Texas ruled DACA unlawful, the program which has protected hundreds of thousands of undocumented immigrants known as Dreamers from deportation. This ruling places young people across the country in danger yet again, keeping them in limbo.

This is a deeply upsetting decision that reminds us that even with an administration that says it supports immigrants, nothing is permanent unless it is made law. This decision has a devastating impact on undocumented people, particularly those who have not yet been able to obtain DACA because they became eligible while the Trump administration was attempting to eliminate it. Again, young people across our country are experiencing the whiplash of another litigation leading to uncertainty and danger.

IJC stands with DACA recipients and all undocumented people in the United States. We support a legislative solution that is just, equitable, and will create stability for individuals and families.

Right now, the ruling does not prevent DACA renewals, because the federal judge temporarily stayed application of the ruling to current DACA recipients until further order of the Texas District Court.

The ruling does unequivocally prevent new DACA applicants from receiving protections from deportation and work authorization. This decision makes abundantly clear that only a permanent legislative solution passed by Congress will eliminate the uncertainty that DACA recipients have been forced to live with for years.

Along with our partners engaged in this fight at UnitedWeDream, we call on all our supporters to contact their congressional representatives and demand action so that DACA recipients and their families can continue to live their lives in the country they chose free from fear.