WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), chair of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship and Border Safety, released the following statement after the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) finalized a rule that aims to preserve and fortify the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program and shield it from future legal challenges:

“This ruling is an important step forward in preserving protections for 600,000 DACA recipients. DACA recipients are American in every way except on paper. They are essential workers who have helped us get through the pandemic as doctors, teachers, farmworkers, and grocery store clerks. They contribute to our economy and are part of the fabric of our communities.

“While I would have liked to have seen DACA eligibility expanded and for other reforms to be made to the program, it’s clear Congress must take action. Any day now, the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals is expected to rule on the legality of the DACA program, which could once again put DACA beneficiaries at risk. I remain committed to passing legislation that provides a pathway to citizenship for dreamers, farmworkers, essential workers, and other immigrant communities.”