Washington, D.C. – Bread for the World released the following statement in response to the recent federal court ruling that will block the processing of future applications under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.
Bread for the World is deeply disappointed by the recent federal court ruling that could dismantle the current DACA program and block new applicants from seeking work and education opportunities, as well as protection from deportation under the program. DACA, which provides two-year work permits, education opportunities, and defers deportation for young immigrants who pay a fee and undergo an extensive government background check, has protected more than 800,000 young immigrants from deportation since the program’s inception in 2012. Persons receiving protection under DACA, many of whom come from families experiencing hunger and poverty, have contributed significantly to U.S. society, including over 200,000 DACA recipients who served on the frontlines to protect the health and safety of residents across the country during the COVID-19 pandemic.
While we commend the Biden-Harris Administration’s promise to appeal the federal court’s decision, we urge this Administration and Congress to work together to pass provisions under the federal budget reconciliation process or other appropriate means to provide immigrant youth, Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders, farmworkers, and essential workers with permanent protection.
“The Bible reminds us, ‘Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due when it is in our power to do it.’ (Proverbs 3:27),” said Rev. Eugene Cho, president and CEO of Bread for the World. “It is incumbent upon this Administration and Congress to enable DACA recipients and DACA eligible persons to achieve their goals of advancing along the path toward citizenship, not unduly put their lives in limbo or stand in their way.”
