Congresswoman Ramirez Statement on DACA Decision

Washington, DC — Today, Congresswoman Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03), the Vice Ranking Member of the Homeland Security Committee, released the following statement after Texas federal Judge Andrew Hanen’s declared the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program illegal, striking down a Biden effort to codify the policy into a federal regulation:

“As the wife of a DACA recipient, this decision to declare "illegal" the  Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program for "Dreamers" is heartbreaking and unacceptable. My husband came to this nation at a young age. While not perfect, this program allowed him to build a life, a home. This decision takes that opportunity away from many young immigrants living in our communities and contributing to our economy. Our nation should be a place where young people have the security to dream of and realize a future full of opportunity. 

Judge Hanen's decision, while not surprising, is still disappointing. But this fight is far from over. Now, more than ever, the members of Congress have to do the job they were elected to do, and that includes comprehensive immigration reform. Congress needs to take action and respond to the many immigrants in their communities waiting for the opportunity to flourish, to live without fear. We can start today, leaving the political theater aside and passing the American Dream and Promise Act. Our Dreamers and immigrants deserve better. 

To the current DACA recipients, you can still renew your DACA. Don't let fear and misinformation jeopardize your future. As the only member of Congress in a mixed-status family, know that I will work endlessly and fight relentlessly for a pathway to legal status for every Dreamer.”