Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (D-IL) released the following statement in response to a U.S. District Court order to fully restore the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program:
“I applaud today’s ruling to restore a widely-supported and life-changing program for hundreds of thousands of DREAMers, including more than 100,000 Illinoisans. This is a step in the right direction and a moment of celebration for DREAMers and for America.
“These community members have served our nation as first responders, nurses, doctors, essential workers, in our military and in countless other ways. America is their home, and our nation is better because of their contributions.
“While today’s decision is good news, and I applaud President-elect Biden’s plan to restore the DACA program, more must be done to make these protections permanent. I urge the Senate to join us in working to pass the Dream and Promise Act immediately.”
BACKGROUND
Illinois is home to 103,600 immigrants who are eligible for protection under the Dream and Promise Act. Together, they contribute $759,600,000 in federal taxes and $547,900,000 in state and local taxes each year. Additionally, these households generate $3,292,900,000 in spending power.
Last year, Congresswoman Bustos helped pass the American Dream and Promise Act, which offers a pathway to citizenship for immigrants who have spent much of their lives in the United States – those with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), Temporary Protected Status (TPS), and Deferred Enforced Departure (DED).
***Report Courtesy of Congresswoman Bustos***
