National LULAC President: A Dream Come True for DACA Recipients
Washington, DC - – Domingo Garcia, the newly-elected leader of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) described Friday’s federal ruling in favor of upholding full reinstatement of the Deferred Action Against Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, “the clearest and strongest evidence that the Administration’s immigration policies must be brought into alignment with our nation’s legal and constitutional framework.”
“The decision by Judge John D. Bates of the Federal District Court for the District of Columbia leaves little doubt that on-going efforts to dismantle former President Barack Obama’s executive order are without legal merit,” said Garcia. “Instead, President Trump’s continued insistence to undo DACA has created great consternation for more than 700,000 men and women who came to the United States as minors and had no say into how they entered the country.”
Last April, Judge Bates allowed the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the agency that oversees DACA, 90 days to lay out its reasons for ending the program for so-called Dreamers. During that time, he stayed his order mandating DHS accept new applications. Friday, Judge Bates issued a 25-page ruling upholding his previous order and described the Justice Department’s explanation that DACA was unlawful as “virtually unexplained”. This invalidated the basis cited by President Trump last September when he announced he was ending the DACA program. Instead, Judge Bates described Trump’s actions as “arbitrary and capricious”.
“Our courts should not and must not be used as venues for political payback against an opposing party or to fulfill grand but ill-conceived campaign promises,” stated Garcia. “Neither must we become a nation that punishes innocent people who are now working hard as adults to make the best of their lives that were uprooted long ago through no fault of their own when they were children,” he added.
Judge Bates is the third federal jurist to tackle the Administration’s efforts against DACA. Two federal judges, one in Brooklyn, the other in San Francisco, blocked the government’s actions by issuing injunctions mandating the program remain intact but did not require new applications be accepted. Judge Bates’ ruling does include a new applicants’ requirement. The earlier decisions are pending before appeals courts.
“LULAC is inspired by the courage and perseverance of America’s Dreamers and we tell them, stay strong and know that we are with you and like those with whom you came to our country’s borders and shores, we too shall never let go of your hand nor shall we abandon you,” said Garcia. “LULAC will continue the fight to ensure that justice and freedom prevails for you and that your future in the United States is bright and secure,” he concluded.
###
The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) is the nation’s largest and oldest civil rights volunteer-based organization that empowers Hispanic Americans and builds strong Latino communities. Headquartered in Washington, DC, with 1000 councils around the United States and Puerto Rico, LULAC’s programs, services and advocacy address the most important issues for Latinos, meeting critical needs of today and the future. For more information, visit www.LULAC.org.