FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 28, 2021
Contact: Bethelhem@undocublack.org
Biden’s proposed new DACA rule is a failed attempt to masquerade a setback as a win
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Department of Homeland Security proposed a new rule for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program yesterday. This proposed rulemaking may appear to protect DACA, with some questionable changes, in the face of continued court challenges, but leaves open the possibility of removing work permits for hundreds of thousands of immigrant youth whose livelihoods depend on the permits to provide for themselves and their families. The proposed rule in no way is the solution that we need from the Biden Administration at this time and fails to meet the urgency of the moment.
Democrats have the opportunity to deliver a pathway to citizenship through green cards for immigrant youth, TPS holders, farm workers and essential workers via the reconciliation bill this year. For years, our communities have lived in limbo and uncertainty through Band-Aid solutions to festering wounds. The ongoing fight to save DACA exemplifies why temporary solutions are not enough and can have harmful impacts in the long run. There are thousands of immigrant youth currently left out of the program and over 89,000 with their DACA renewals currently delayed. No solution short of access to green cards will address the crisis the DACA program is facing. During the public comment period in the rule-making process, the UndocuBlack Network will continue to ensure our voices and demands are heard.
Patrice Lawrence, executive director of the UndocuBlack Network released the following statement:
“DACA was a welcomed relief at the time of its announcement , but we must be very clear: DACA has never been enough and this is the year to pass permanent protections through green cards and the opportunity to become citizens for millions of immigrants in the United States. The new DACA rulemaking is a failed attempt to masquerade a setback as a win. The administration needs to keep its eyes on the prize and use all the resources at its disposal to deliver permanent protection to the millions of immigrants.”
Yoliswa Cele, director of narrative and media at the UndocuBlack Network said:
“The proposed rule, in setting up new DACA tiers without work permits, potentially for hundreds of thousands of DACA recipients, is a betrayal of the DACA program, and of the many commits made by Democratic leaders — including the Biden Administration itself. The timing of the ruling is also not lost on us considering all of the justified heat the administration is receiving over its abuses towards Black immigrants this past week. Yet even with all of the backlash, coupled with the parlimentarian’s attempts at road blocking a pathway to citizenship through reconciliation — the best the Biden Administration could drum up was a counterproductive self goal ruling on DACA. The relentless attacks on both DACA and TPS are why we continue to say that temporary solutions are not enough for our communities to live full and free lives. Thousands of undocumented youth came out of the shadows and risked it all to apply for DACA. They must not be left to fend for themselves against Republican-filled courts determined to dismantle any immigrant justice gains. Democratic leaders must bring concrete actions to match their commitments. Anything less than a pathway to citizenship through green cards is a betrayal to undocumented communites.”
The UndocuBlack Network will provide further guidance on how to comment on the proposed DACA rules in the coming weeks.
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