I’m Relieved the Court Protected Dreamers… but That’s Only Step One

The DACA decision needs to be firmed up with a pathway to citizenship

DACA recipients and supporters rally outside the U.S. Supreme Court on June 18, 2020.

To my surprise and deep relief, the Supreme Court ruled to save the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, which gives work authorization and protection from deportation to me and 660,000 Dreamers, who are undocumented immigrants brought to the U.S. as children.

About 60% of DACA recipients have at least one American sibling, according to United We Dream, and ending the program could separate 250,000 U.S. citizen children from their parents.

All told, 1.2 million Dreamers currently work essential jobs, including 62,000 in U.S. health care, according to the New American Economy.

All told, 1.2 million Dreamers currently work essential jobs, including 62,000 in U.S. health care, according to the New American Economy (NAE).