Washington, DC – Today in response to the United States Supreme Court 5-4 ruling to reverse President Trump’s termination of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, Kids in Need of Defense (KIND) President Wendy Young issued the following statement:
“KIND applauds the Supreme Court’s decision finding unlawful the Trump Administration’s termination of DACA and putting an end to the administration’s cruel efforts to play politics with the lives of thousands of children and young people. The Court’s decision provides welcome clarity to those who have lived in fear that they or their loved ones may lose jobs or face deportation as a result of the Trump Administration’s callous—and illegal–termination of DACA.
“This decision recognizes the hundreds of thousands of DACA recipients who are cherished members of our families, communities, and workplaces, and who contribute immeasurably to our country. Now, nearly 25,000 DACA recipients each month—friends, family members, neighbors, loved ones, co-workers— will continue to have permission to work and protection from deportation. This decision comes amid the COVID-19 pandemic, a time in which thousands of DACA recipients are working tirelessly to protect, help, and heal our country and communities as health care providers and essential workers. It recognizes the vital role they play, as well as the importance of limiting the power of the executive branch to put them in harm’s way.
“KIND stands alongside DACA recipients and DREAMers, and their families. We urge Congress to not use today’s decision as an excuse for inaction. Congress should still enact permanent protection for these cherished members of our communities, workplaces, and families.”
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Media Contact: Megan McKenna, mmckenna@supportkind.org, 202-631-9990