Rep. Pocan Calls on President Obama to Protect Dreamers from Deportation
As of the end of June 2016, about 742,000 Dreamers had received DACA status.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan (WI-02) is calling on President Obama to take all steps necessary to protect those enrolled in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents (DAPA) programs after President-elect Trump reiterated his support to deport undocumented people.
“Undocumented immigrants trusted that when they enrolled in the DACA and DAPA programs they would be able to live and work legally without fear of deportation,” Rep. Pocan said. “However, President-elect Trump continues to make sweeping claims about dismantling these programs and deporting families who have been living and working in the United States for years. I strongly urge President Obama to take all necessary means to protect those enrolled in the DACA and DAPA programs.”
In November 2014, President Obama announced executive orders that would allow certain undocumented immigrants to live and work in the United State legally. The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program allows young people who entered the country before their 16th birthday and before June 2007 to receive a renewable work permit and exemption from deportation. The Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents (DAPA) program granted deferred action status to parents of American citizens or lawful permanent residents.
These programs were subsequently halted by a court injunction after several states sued the federal government. In June 2016, the Supreme Court upheld the lower court’s injunction in a deadlocked 4-4 decision. As of the end of June 2016, about 742,000 Dreamers had received DACA status.
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