DNC Chair Ken Martin and Vice Chair Artie Blanco issued the following statement on the anniversary of DACA:

“Thirteen years ago today, Dreamers organized for a pathway to citizenship, leading President Obama to take a bold step by creating DACA, offering hundreds of thousands of young immigrants, Dreamers, the chance to live, work, and thrive in the only country many of them have ever known. Since its inception, DACA has been a highly successful program that has lifted people out of the shadows and provided an incredible economic contribution to our states and country. DACA has created a new wave of teachers, nurses, entrepreneurs,  and service members who contribute to our communities and our economy every single day.

“Despite DACA’s undeniable success, Trump has repeatedly attacked and caused relentless uncertainty to these Dreamers, and yet, DACA recipients have shown incredible resilience and strength. The Democratic Party remains unwavering in our commitment to an immigration system that reflects our values, one rooted in dignity, fairness, and opportunity. 

“Unfortunately, Trump and far-right extremist Republicans aren’t focused on the common-sense approaches that build attainable pathways to U.S. citizenship while strengthening border security, which the overwhelming majority of Americans support. Instead, Trump’s inhumane and harmful immigration policy aims to rip families apart, targets immigrants and citizens alike, and uses ICE to spread fear and confusion in our communities.

“On this anniversary, we renew our call for Congress to work towards passing a pathway to citizenship for Dreamers. Their home is here, and it’s long overdue for our laws to reflect that.”