NextGen America Statement on Federal Appeals Court DACA Decision

In response to the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals ruling Wednesday that declared the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) policy violates U.S. immigration law, NextGen America released the following statements: 

NextGen America President, Cristina Tzintzún Ramirez

“Today’s DACA decision is a reflection of the dangerous anti-immigrant Republican agenda and puts millions of families at stake. This Texas case targeting undocumented youth is a significant reminder of the vitriol and hate that the GOP will continue implementing if they win back Congress. Dreamers deserve bold, permanent protections that will prevent them from being ripped away from their communities and loved ones.

“Dismantling DACA will impact thousands of young people who call this country home and will only incentivize a new generation of American voters to rise up and defend those who can’t vote. At NextGen, we are committed to mobilizing the millions of young Americans that support Dreamers and policies that protect immigrant rights. Now, we are using our voices and urgently calling on Congress to pass immigration legislation that protects DACA recipients.”

NextGen America Vice President of Communications, Antonio Arellano

“This decision by the 5th Circuit Court is yet another major setback in the relentless political and legal battles that DACA recipients have been subjected to since the inception of this program. There are thousands of DACA recipients like myself that are working every day to make America live up to its promise of justice and liberty for all.

“If we truly wish to build a better America, we have to create an immigration system that reflects our values and protects the people that make this country stronger. Congress has to act and finally put an end to this life in limbo and deliver for Dreamers and all undocumented immigrants.”

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About NextGen America

NextGen America is the leading national organization for engaging young people through voter education, registration and mobilization. We invite 18-to-35 year olds — the largest and most diverse generation in American history — into our democracy to ensure our government works for them and to find new solutions to the dire challenges facing our society and the world. Since 2013, NextGen America has registered more than 1.4 million young voters and educated many millions more.