Bishops denounce ending DACA and urge lasting reform

Under DACA, more than 110,000 young people contribute to Texas society and well-being

AUSTIN –The Texas Catholic bishops have issued the following statement in response to the decision to terminate the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA).

We say, first, to DACA youth: regardless of your immigration status, you are a child of God. You are welcome in the Catholic Church. We support you and will advocate for you.

We denounce the termination of DACA. Under the program, more than 110,000 young adults brought to Texas as children received work authorization and temporary reprieve from deportation. DACA youth contribute to the economy, serve honorably in our armed forces, excel in our schools and universities, minister in our churches, and volunteer in our communities. We are proud to claim them as our own. We reiterate: America’s immigration laws are in desperate need of reform. Families are separated and visa holders wait decades for permanent resident status. Immigrants who try to work for a better life for their families are being denied. Texans have long stood for opportunity and liberty; we will work to ensure that these blessings are extended to immigrants, especially DACA youth.

To that end, we call on Texas’ two Senators and 36 Representatives to vote for the Dream Act of 2017: S.1615/H.R. 3440. Through this bill, Congress has the opportunity to reform immigration law before DACA protections terminate on March 5, 2018. Reform of the law is the most sustainable remedy for DACA students, their families, and all immigrants. We urge all Texas Catholics to contact their members of Congress and ask them to vote for this bill.