Ending DACA is a betrayal of America’s core values; Welcoming America calls on Congress to protect DACA

DACA are our neighbors. They are homeowners, teachers, nurses, scientists, valedictorians, members of our armed forces, and more; they contribute to our economy and our communities. 

Welcoming America is deeply dismayed by the Trump administration’s announcement to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program and urges Congress to lead with moral courage and pragmatism, and pass the bipartisan DREAM Act of 2017 to support DACA. 

The DACA decision stands in stark contrast to American values of compassion and welcoming. DACA are a generation of nearly 800,000 young adults who came to the United States as children. They  have grown up as Americans, pledging allegiance to our flag, and working side by side with all Americans to build a more vital nation. Through DACA, they have been able to work legally, share their talents, and contribute to the economy without fear of being deported to a country they’ve never known. 

By every measure, DACA has been an unqualified success, enjoying bipartisan backing and the support of business, faith, and civic leaders across the country.  Ending DACA and deporting those enrolled would not only be harmful for our next generation and the communities they call home, but would cost the federal government $60 billion, and reduce economic growth by $280 billion in the next 10 years. 

Welcoming America stands in support of DACA and beginning next Friday, Sept. 15, we will come together with hundreds of communities during Welcoming Week through more than 500 local events to show that inclusion makes us a stronger and more economically vibrant nation. During Welcoming Week, we call on communities to lift the stories of those impacted by DACA and our common dreams, as well as urge Congress to pass the DREAM Act.  

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About Welcoming America: Welcoming America leads a growing movement of communities becoming more prosperous by helping all residents be able to fully participate in economic, social, and civic opportunities. Reducing barriers to participation for immigrants and refugees helps everyone thrive. One in every eight Americans live in a Welcoming Community through Welcoming America’s growing network. Learn more at www.welcomingamerica.org