Washington, DC – The Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL) expressed disappointment over the recent federal court decision ruling that the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program is unlawful.
Contact Tim McHugh: media@fcnl.org, 202-903-2515
Since the DACA program began in 2012, its legality has been debated and mired in court cases. The program protects undocumented immigrants brought to the United States as children. The recent ruling will not impact those currently protected under DACA, but no new applications can be reviewed or approved.
“Since we began our work, FCNL has been committed to the prophetic calling to Love thy Neighbor, No Exceptions. Undocumented immigrants and their children are no less worthy to live free and prosperous lives. We will never reach that stated value as members of our beloved community continue to experience exclusion, prejudice, and oppression,” said FCNL General Secretary Bridget Moix. “This ruling is a setback, but not an ending. We will continue to speak truth to power until Washington responds with a just and equitable pathway to citizenship.”
Yesterday, the U.S. District Court of the Southern District of Texas ruled the Biden administration’s DACA rule is unlawful. The Biden administration created the rule to solidify DACA protections and its legality after challenges to the Obama administration’s program. Currently, roughly 600,000 people hold DACA status, with most recipients in their 30s. They have careers, families, and deep ties to their communities.
“Willful inaction and gridlock in Congress has led to vulnerability and perilous uncertainty as DACA recipients endure relentless attacks on the program. For too long, the majority and broad bipartisan public call for permanent protections for undocumented immigrants has been held hostage by disingenuous and exploitive congressional border debates,” said Anika Forrest, FCNL domestic policy legislative director.
“Prosperity and stability for our undocumented neighbors is not a conversation for the courts but for our elected policymakers. Congress must end this cruelty.”
As a Quaker organization, FCNL sees the Light of God in all people. We seek a society where everyone’s potential may be fulfilled free from violence and the threat of violence.
To learn more, please visit www.fcnl.org.
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