Vice President Harris praised the Biden administration’s steps to protect recipients of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program on Saturday, the 12th anniversary of the Obama-era policy.
“The story of the Dreamers is an American story. Dreamers across our country serve in the military, teach in our classrooms, and lead our small businesses as entrepreneurs. They are our neighbors, classmates, and loved ones.” , she wrote in a statement. “Their ambition and aspiration strengthen our communities, economy and country – and they deserve our protection.”
“I have worked alongside President Biden to preserve and strengthen DACA, including ensuring Dreamers have access to affordable health care, which will improve the health of all communities,” Harris added.
But, the vice president said, it is ultimately up to Congress to strengthen protections for recipients of the program, which shields immigrants who were brought to the U.S. illegally as children from being deported.
“Lawmakers must pass legislation that creates a path to citizenship,” she wrote. “The time for a lasting solution is long overdue.”
Biden expressed his feelings in his own statement on Saturday, saying he was proud of the contributions “Dreamers” have made to the country.
“Twelve years ago, President Obama and I announced the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program to allow our young people to live and work in the only country they call home,” he said. wrote in a statement, shared by the White House. “Since then, DACA has provided more than 800,000 Dreamers the ability to legally work, study, start businesses, and contribute their enormous talents to making our communities better and stronger.”
“While Vice President Harris and I will continue to fight for our Dreamers, only Congress can provide permanent, lasting stability for them and their families. Congress must still act,” the president added.
Biden’s re-election campaign also released two videos Saturday hitting former President Trump over his controversial immigration stance — including threats to end the DACA program — and promoting the duo’s commitment to protecting “Dreamers” and finding a path to citizenship for them and their families.
In an ad, titled “Supporting Dreamers” Harris also criticizes Trump, the presumptive Republican nominee, for what she called “cruel and ineffective” immigration policies during his administration, including the separation of families and threats to deport “millions of people” if reelected.
This story originally appeared on thehill.com read the full story
