OCA Calls on Congress for Immediate Action for Young Americans

By declaring the DACA program unlawful, Judge Hanen jeopardizes the lives and futures of hundreds of thousands of immigrants, including many AAPIs, and undermines the core American values of diversity, inclusion, and opportunity.

Washington, D.C. —  OCA - Asian Pacific American Advocates is deeply disappointed by the decision of Judge Andrew Hanen of the Southern District of Texas to declare the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program unlawful in State of Texas v. United States of America. 

Under this ruling, individuals with DACA can continue to renew, but applications submitted for the first time will not be approved. This puts the lives and futures of hundreds of thousands of DACA recipients and their families at risk, shattering their dreams and sense of  safety, as well as those of their loved ones and communities who depend on them. It contradicts the values of diversity, inclusion, and opportunity that this nation was built upon.

"This decision is heartbreaking and outrageous. Tens of thousands of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders with DACA are among the 1.7 million undocumented AAPIs in the United States. This decision endangers the lives and futures of our young community members, who are our friends, neighbors, co-workers, and family members," OCA - Asian Pacific American Advocates President Linda Ng. "They have grown up and contributed to this country, which is their home. They deserve dignity, security, and opportunity."

"We are outraged by this cruel and unjust attack on DACA and the immigrant community. DACA has been a lifeline for young people who have grown up in this country and contributed to its society and economy," said OCA - Asian Pacific American Advocates National Executive Director Thu Nguyen. "We urge Congress to act urgently to pass legislation that provides a permanent solution for DACA recipients and all undocumented immigrants, including the Dream and Promise Act and the U.S. Citizenship Act. We also call on the Biden administration to continue to use its executive authority to protect and expand DACA and other forms of relief for immigrants. We stand in solidarity with our DACA recipients and all who are fighting for their dignity and rights. We will not give up until we achieve justice and equality for all."

Please direct all inquiries to OCA Communications Fellow Socheata Sun at socheata.sun@ocanational.org. View this press release on OCA National website.

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OCA-Asian Pacific American Advocates is a national social justice organization of community advocates dedicated to improving the social, political, and economic well-being of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs). Learn more about our work at ocanational.org/about.