September 18, 2023

Contact: media@haitianbridge.org

San Diego, California—On Wednesday, September 13, the U.S. District Court of the Southern District of Texas ruled against  DACA in the case of Texas v. United States. While the court’s decision does not impact current DACA recipients or their renewals, nor does it change or expand eligibility, we are greatly concerned. This decision could carry significant implications for the future of DACA recipients, commonly known as Dreamers, and it underscores the ongoing challenges faced by undocumented individuals in the United States.

Guerline Jozef, Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Haitian Bridge Alliance, issued the following statement: 

“The decision by Judge Hanen against DACA is yet another devastating blow to hundreds of thousands of Dreamers and loved ones. The decision is bad for communities, bad for the economy, and centers cruelty rather than dignity and common sense. For most DACA recipients, this is the only home they know, and we will continue to advocate alongside Dreamers who have fearlessly led this advocacy for years. Congress and the Biden administration must act immediately to create an enduring solution for our Dreamers.”

While we respect the judicial process, it is essential to recognize that DACA has been a vital lifeline for hundreds of thousands of young immigrants who have grown up in the United States and consider it their home. These individuals have contributed to their communities and the nation at large in meaningful ways, and they deserve a fair and just resolution to their immigration status.

There are roughly 580,000 active DACA recipients who are living in the United States. The average DACA recipient arrived in the United States at age 7 and has lived here for more than 20  years. Dreamers help the American economy and serve in the military. Over the next 10 years, Dreamers who currently have DACA will contribute an estimated $420 billion to the GDP, $60  billion in fiscal impact, and $12.3 billion in taxes to Social Security and Medicare if they can continue to work legally in the U.S.

Haitian Bridge Alliance urges the United States Congress and the Biden-Harris Administration to pass legislation that would provide a pathway to lawful permanent resident status and eventually citizenship for DACA and TPS recipients. We remain committed to advocating for comprehensive immigration reform that not only provides a path to legal status for Dreamers but also addresses the broader complexities of our immigration system. 

As we navigate the legal proceedings and discussions surrounding DACA, we reaffirm our commitment to advocating for fairness, justice, and inclusivity in our immigration policies, as well as supporting the rights and aspirations of Dreamers who have enriched our nation through their hard work, resilience, and dedication to the American dream.