WASHINGTON, D.C. — The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) commemorated the 13th anniversary of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program on Tuesday, with AILA President Kelli Stump calling on Congress to pass long-term protections for Dreamers.
In a statement, Stump reflected on the historic 2012 announcement of DACA, which shielded eligible undocumented immigrants brought to the U.S. as children from deportation and granted them work permits.
“Thirteen years ago, I stood alongside hundreds of immigration attorneys—many overcome with emotion—as President Obama announced a lifeline for Dreamers,” Stump said. “We worked tirelessly to help hundreds of thousands of young people apply. Yet today, we’re still waiting for Congress to act.”
Stump highlighted the persistent legal and political challenges DACA has faced, including lawsuits and attempts to dismantle the program under the Trump administration. These threats, she argued, have left recipients in a state of uncertainty.
“The lack of permanent protections has eroded hope,” Stump said. “Dreamers are teachers, nurses, entrepreneurs, and essential workers—they contribute billions in taxes, strengthen our economy, and serve in our military. Polls consistently show broad public support for granting them legal status.”
With approximately 600,000 DACA recipients still relying on temporary relief, Stump condemned congressional gridlock as a “moral and political failure” and urged lawmakers to pass bipartisan legislation.
“Dreamers have built lives here,” she said. “It’s time for Congress to end the limbo and provide the stability they deserve.”
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