LULAC Decries Federal Judge’s Ruling That Denies Basis For DACA
Nation’s Largest and Oldest Latino Civil Rights Organization Says Court Decision Once Again Throws Dreamers Into Turmoil
Washington, DC - The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) issued the following statement in the wake of the latest
Washington, DC - The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) is expressing its strong disagreement and resolve to challenge the federal court findings issued by Judge Andrew S. Hanen of the United States District Court in Houston on the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Act (DACA).
Judge Hanen stated in his 77-page ruling Friday, that former President Barack Obama exceeded his authority when he created the program by executive action in 2012. The court ordered that no further DACA applications be processed. However, his decision states that Dreamers are safe from deportation for now.
“Texas LULAC recognizes that this ruling deals with one specific case,” says Rodolfo Rosales, Jr., Texas LULAC State Director. “Nonetheless, the courts have consistently favored leaving DACA intact and our determination is neither changed nor diminished in defending the 800,000 Dreamers. LULAC is proud of their achievements, and we urge President Biden to issue his own executive order ensuring the protection of DACA recipients,” said Rosales.
As many as 1.5 million people could benefit from DACA and a closely associated program, Deferred Action for Parents of Americans (DAPA). One such Dreamer is Delma Gorostieta who is now attending the University of North Texas at Dallas, College of Law. She intends to become an immigration law attorney. “I was brought to the United States at an early age and since I can remember, making a difference for my family and others has been my quest. Making America better every day is the very soul and spirit of Dreamers!” she adds.
However, several states oppose the programs including Texas, Kansas, South Carolina, Nebraska, West Virginia, Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi. Leaders from these states said the programs place unfair financial burdens on them created by people in the country unlawfully.
“Dreamers are the fabric of this nation and they deserve better,” says Lydia Guzman, LULAC National Immigration Committee Vice-Chair. “This move by the courts only underscores the urgent need for a permanent solution with a pathway to citizenship. The ball is in the Senate’s court to pass a Dream Act that will protect Dreamers. Their home is here,” says Guzman.
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About LULAC
The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) is the nation’s largest and oldest Hispanic civil rights volunteer-based organization that empowers Hispanic Americans and builds strong Latino communities. Headquartered in Washington, DC, with 1,000 councils around the United States and Puerto Rico, LULAC’s programs, services, and advocacy address the most important issues for Latinos, meeting the critical needs of today and the future. For more information, visit https://lulac.org/