More Proof that Congress Must Act Now to Address DACA

Washington, DC – The following is a statement from Theresa Cardinal Brown, senior advisor on immigration and border policy for the Bipartisan Policy Center, on the Texas district court’s decision ruling the DACA program illegal:  

“U.S. District Judge Andrew Hanen’s ruling yesterday that a revised version of the DACA program is illegal is more proof that Congress cannot wait any longer to provide permanent protection for Dreamers and DACA recipients.  

“Though the judge declined to terminate the program, keeping it intact for current DACA recipients, the case is likely to reach the Supreme Court, leaving the fate of millions of recipients in question. Congress has kicked the can down the road for far too long and abdicated its responsibility to the courts, forcing them to decide immigration policy ad hoc.  

“As outlined in BPC’s 2017 Immigration Task Force report, broad bipartisan consensus that provides permanent status can be achieved in Congress if paired with increased border security. Congress has expressed its support for DACA recipients and Dreamers—with their fate in the balance, Congress cannot wait any longer to pass legislation.” 

Theresa Cardinal Brown is available for comment.