DACA debate

Richard A. Sokerka

With the U.S. Supreme Court declining the Trump Administration’s appeal that sought to end the DACA program and the U.S. Senate’s failure to pass a bipartisan bill that would offer protections for immigrants, the clock is still ticking to find a solution for DACA recipients so that they have a pathway for citizenship.

Among those disappointed in the failure of the bill was the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), who urged leaders to focus their efforts on DACA recipients and pass legislation. In a statement from the USCCB, the bishops said, “We ask once again that members of Congress show the leadership necessary to find a just and humane solution for these young people, who daily face mounting anxiety and uncertainty.”

The immigration bill that failed to pass the Senate would have supported DACA recipients on their way to receiving U.S. citizenship. The plan additionally included several other immigration reform proposals, such as the elimination of the diversity visa lottery and restrictions on family-sponsored migration. The bill would have also offered an increase in border security.

President Trump has sought to end the DACA protection program since last fall. The program had been set in place by an executive order by former President Obama. The program’s termination would leave nearly 1.8 million “Dreamers” in a gray area as to their status in the U.S.

To generate support for the passage of immigration reform for DACA recipients, the U.S bishops promoted a National Catholic Call-In Day to Protect Dreamers on Feb. 26, to prompt the faithful toward action to safeguard immigrants by calling their elected representatives.

The bishops were hopeful that the Call-In Day would lead to Congress “protecting Dreamers from deportation, providing them a path to citizenship, and avoiding any damage to existing protections for families and unaccompanied minors in the process.”

The bishops reminded their flocks that “Our faith compels us to stand with the vulnerable, including our immigrant brothers and sisters. We have done so continually, but we must show our support and solidarity now in a special way. Now is the time for action.”

But the clock is ticking.