For Immediate Release
June 15, 2021
Contacts:
Arianna Rosales, National Immigration Project, arianna@nipnlg.org
Washington, DC — On the nine-year anniversary of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, the National Immigration Project released the following statement:
"Today, we join our communities and fellow advocates in celebrating and honoring the tremendous grassroots efforts that led to the creation of the DACA program and in calling on the Biden administration to deliver permanent protections to all immigrant community members — without exclusions.
As we join the chorus of voices urging a permanent legislative solution for DACA recipients, TPS holders, and other immigrants at risk of deportation, we also reiterate the critical reminder that relief for some cannot come at the expense of others.
Three months ago, 280 organizations came together to demand a clean Dream and Promise Act. Legislators ignored these demands and turned their backs on those who are most harmed by the immigration system, pushing the bill forward with harmful criminal bars that exclude parents, siblings, neighbors, and community members from the chance for permanent relief. The DACA program itself also includes harmful exclusions based on contact with a racially biased criminal legal system. Any legislation or administrative protection that fails to address the intertwined and racist criminal and immigration systems ultimately fails our communities.
On this important date, we urge Congress and the administration to provide meaningful protections and permanent solutions to every person who has been targeted, arrested, convicted, and punished because of a racially biased policing and criminal legal system. No one should be left behind."
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The National Immigration Project of the National Lawyers Guild (NIPNLG) is a national non-profit organization that provides technical assistance and support to community-based immigrant organizations, legal practitioners, and all advocates seeking and working to advance the rights of noncitizens. NIPNLG utilizes impact litigation, advocacy, and public education to pursue its mission. Learn more at nipnlg.org. Follow NIPNLG on social media: National Immigration Project of the National Lawyers Guild on Facebook, @NIPNLG on Twitter and Instagram.