L.A. Care “Dreamers” Remain Safe… For Now

Earlier today, the U.S. Supreme Court handed down a 5-4 decision blocking the Trump Administration from ending the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program created under the Obama Administration. The Court’s decision leaves all DACA protections in place and says that the government must resume accepting new applications.  

Using an executive order, President Obama established DACA in 2012 to prevent the deportation of more than 700,000 undocumented immigrants brought to this country as children. Today’s ruling means these individuals, often referred to as “Dreamers,” will be able to continue living in the United States. For many, it is the only home they have ever known.

It’s estimated as many as 1.3 million people are eligible for DACA status, with approximately 200,000 Dreamers living in California. These Dreamers are contributing to this country in jobs desperately needed as we live through a pandemic. The Center for American Progress reports that more than 200,000 DACA recipients are working in health care, education, and food-related jobs – nearly 60,000 of them in California.

The Supreme Court ruled that the Trump Administration did not follow the proper procedure in ending the program, failing to provide justification for the action. This means the issue is not completely resolved. The administration could try again. The only way to ensure that Dreamers can stay in the United States is for Congress to pass legislation spelling out the requirements for DACA status.

The Supreme Court ruling makes Dreamers eligible for work permits, driver’s licenses, and health insurance coverage. So, while today’s Court ruling contains some good news, it also continues the uncertainty of the future of DACA and thereby creates further stress on the Dreamers and their future in the United States.     

L.A. Care stands with the Dreamers calling on Congress to act.