On the eleventh anniversary of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, President Biden reiterated his support for Dreamers and called for a pathway to citizenship. He emphasized their contributions to American society, highlighting their roles as doctors, teachers, and business owners, and their service during the COVID-19 pandemic. Biden stated, "Dreamers are Americans. Many have spent the majority of their lives in the United States. They strengthen our economy, enrich our workplaces..."
DACA, which provides temporary protection from deportation and work authorization to eligible immigrants brought to the U.S. as children, has faced legal challenges. Since 2021, new enrollments have been blocked following court rulings questioning the program's legality. While the Supreme Court previously prevented the Trump administration's attempt to end DACA, the program remains in legal limbo. Advocates continue to push for the DREAM Act, a more comprehensive legislative solution that would offer a path to citizenship for an estimated two million individuals.
Despite previous attempts to pass the DREAM Act, particularly during the 2022 lame-duck session, the legislation has stalled. With a Republican-controlled House, the prospects for its passage remain uncertain, unless it becomes part of a broader border security agreement.
President Biden has utilized executive actions to support DACA recipients, including expanding access to healthcare coverage. He also directed the Department of Homeland Security to reinforce the original DACA executive order. While Biden and Vice President Harris continue to advocate for legislative action, they acknowledge that Congress holds the key to providing a permanent solution for Dreamers and their families.
This renewed push for DACA comes amidst ongoing challenges at the southern border. Upon taking office, the Biden administration proposed comprehensive immigration reform, including amnesty provisions, which faced Republican opposition. Despite this setback, the administration continues to urge Congress to address the border crisis and provide a pathway to legal status for undocumented immigrants.
