***For Immediate Release***
Thursday, June 18, 2020
Contact: Magdalena Cazarez
Communications Director, Nebraska Appleseed
O: (402) 438-8853 ext 119
C: (402) 504-0074
mcazarez@neappleseed.org
U.S. Supreme Court upholds successful DACA Program
Nebraska Dreamers and organizations applaud U.S. Supreme Court ruling in favor of young Americans with DACA
Lincoln, NE — On Thursday, the U.S. Supreme Court released its decision blocking the termination of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. The Court found that required legal procedures were not followed and important impacts on DACA youth were not appropriately weighed in the decision to end the program. The Court recognized the contributions of DACA residents, including 3,000 Nebraska DACA youth.
Nebraska Dreamer and Advocate, Joseline Reyna, in response:
“The decision today was full of emotions. I sat on my couch this morning crying of joy. It’s gratifying to know that I will be able to stay and thrive with the community that has always believed in me.
With DACA, I was able to graduate with my bachelor’s degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Not only have I been able to obtain a full-time job after graduation but I have also been able to continue to give back to my community. I want to congratulate all the DACA recipients because this is a great victory for us, but also thank all those that continue to fight for us.”
Nebraska Dreamer and Advocate, Miriam Nieto, in response:
“Continuing the DACA program brings Nebraska Dreamers, like me, and our families an immense amount of relief and joy. It’s gratifying to know that I will be able to stay and thrive with the community that has always believed in me.”
Greater Omaha Chamber President and CEO, David G. Brown, in response:
“Today’s decision reflects our collective relief for all of the Dreamers – DACA youth, including the approximately 3,000 who live in Nebraska. This outcome further strengthens our commitment to ensuring equitable opportunities for all. Our Dreamers are workers, leaders, students and colleagues; we are proud of their contribution to Nebraska, and our support of them continues.”
Nebraska Cattlemen, Vice President of Legal & Government Affairs, Jessica Herrmann, in response:
“Nebraska Cattlemen have long supported Dreamer Nebraskans and their families, recognizing immigrant communities’ invaluable contributions to Nebraska’s beef industry. They are an important part of our Nebraska family. We are very happy the Supreme Court has left DACA intact. At the same time, more work needs to be done on permanent immigration reform. Current U.S. immigration laws are outdated, fail the test of common sense, and fail to provide workable infrastructure to support the future growth of our state.”
Nebraska Appleseed’s Immigrants & Communities Program Director, Darcy Tromanhauser, in response:
“For more than a decade, we have seen strong, statewide community support for Nebraska Dreamers. DACA opens doors for young Nebraskans to move forward in the place they know as home. And our communities gain tremendously from the contributions and talents of Nebraska Dreamers.
Nebraska Dreamers are dedicated teachers in Nebraska schools, nurses and doctors saving lives every day, coworkers, friends, moms, dads, and most importantly, they are Americans striving toward making Nebraska a vibrant, diverse, and inclusive community for all.
DACA itself is still only a temporary solution, and the deep and unnecessary stress on Nebraska communities, families, and employers awaiting this Supreme Court decision was a reminder of the urgent need for permanent legislation. The Senate must take action on the Dream and Promise Act, providing a long-overdue process to apply for citizenship for Dreamers and TPS residents, who are longtime, contributing members of our communities.”
The American Dream and Promise Act of 2019 creates a process to apply for citizenship for DACA residents. Already passed by the House of Representatives in the spring of 2019, the bill needs a vote in the U.S. Senate to provide protections to Dreamers and longtime residents with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) status who are part of the fabric of communities across our state of Nebraska and the nation. Congress has the responsibility to act and represent Nebraska communities. Learn more about the Dream and Promise Act here.
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