Congress, protect Dreamers in the lame duck session!

I’m writing as your constituent to urge you to swiftly pass a pathway to citizenship for hundreds of thousands of immigrant youth nationwide. The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals' recent decision makes it clear that the only path forward is for Congress to follow through on its promise and deliver permanent protections for immigrant youth — this year. Without a clear pathway to citizenship for immigrants who grew up in this country, our nation will face more economic uncertainty. Hundreds of thousands of DACA recipients are employed in essential jobs and ending the DACA program without permanent protections in place would cost the economy $433 billion over the next 10 years. Across the country, DACA recipients pay $9.5 billion in local, state, and federal taxes every year. They also own over 68,000 homes, contributing $760 million in mortgage payments and $2.5 billion in rental payments annually. Passing a pathway to citizenship is also politically popular. A recent poll by the NILC Immigrant Justice Fund shows that over 70% of voters in battleground states and across the political spectrum broadly support citizenship for immigrant youth. DACA recipients are our neighbors, loved ones, community leaders, and essential workers in our communities. It’s past time for Congress to recognize immigrant youth for the important role they play in our country. You and other members of Congress have the power and ability to do what is right for immigrant youth and our country. I urge you to prioritize a pathway to citizenship in this year’s legislative session. Thanks.

▶ Created on November 17, 2022 by Jess Craven