FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 18, 2020, Washington, D.C.—Today, the Supreme Court of the United States announced a 5-4 ruling on the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program cases, ruling that the administration's decision to end the program was arbitrary and capricious.

“This was a youth-led movement, and it is an incredible victory for the nearly 700,000 immigrants whose lives would’ve been upended by the Trump administration’s irresponsible decision to end DACA. But it is also a victory for the United States. Our country is stronger because of DACA recipients, many of whom have remained on the front-lines during COVID,” said Young Center Executive Director Maria Woltjen. “The more than two and a half years of limbo have been excruciating for DACA recipients, their families and friends. Today’s victory was made possible by their tireless advocacy and the voices of people and organizations across the country.” 

The SCOTUS decision comes after two years of DACA-recipients, including Dreamers, Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders, and Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) beneficiaries, living in limbo following the Trump administration’s decision to rescind DACA in September of 2017.

“As we celebrate today, we know our work is far from over. The administration continues to target immigrant youth, families, and communities through other cruel policies and programs, from ICE raids that lead to family separation to unlawfully turning children away at the border. We will continue to defend the rights of immigrant children and families against this administration’s relentless attacks,” said Young Center Policy Director Jennifer Nagda.

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The Young Center for Immigrant Children’s Rights is a human rights organization that protects and advances the rights and best interests of immigrant children and advocates for an immigration system that treats children as children first.

For press inquiries, please contact Noorjahan Akbar at media@theyoungcenter.org or 202-725-7184.