Former President Obama celebrated the 12th anniversary of his executive action on the DACA program and urged Congress to make it a permanent law before it expires. DACA was created in 2012 to protect individuals who came to the U.S. illegally as children from deportation and provide them with a path to citizenship. These individuals, known as “Dreamers,” could request deferred action for two years, which could be renewed.
Obama emphasized that many Dreamers have grown up and are now contributing to society as teachers, doctors, and lawyers, but they still live in fear due to the temporary nature of the program. He commended the Biden administration for facilitating Dreamers’ access to federal programs like healthcare but stressed the need for a permanent legislative solution that offers them a pathway to citizenship and improves the immigration system’s fairness and efficiency.
President Biden is set to host an event at the White House to celebrate the DACA initiative and may introduce new benefits for other undocumented immigrants with longstanding ties in the U.S. The administration is considering using executive powers to protect the spouses of U.S. citizens without legal status, granting them work permits, and easing their path to permanent residency and citizenship. This process, known as “parole-in-place,” has been used for other groups of immigrants, such as members of the U.S. military and their families.
While the timeline for implementing these changes remains uncertain, the administration’s efforts signal a commitment to comprehensive immigration reform. Obama’s call for Congress to act on a permanent solution for Dreamers echoes the urgency felt by many advocates and activists who have long championed the rights of undocumented individuals in the U.S.
As discussions around immigration continue to evolve, the focus remains on finding humane and equitable solutions that address the needs of those who have built their lives in the country and contribute positively to their communities. The push for legislative action underscores the importance of upholding the values of fairness, justice, and compassion in shaping immigration policies that reflect the diversity and richness of the American experience.