Release: DACA decision reminds us that temporary protections are not enough

September 14, 2023

On September 13th, Federal Judge Andrew Hanen ruled that the DACA program is unconstitutional, but issued no changes to the current administration of the program

On September 13th, Judge Andrew Hanen made a significant decision concerning DACA.. While this ruling is a notable development, it highlights the urgent need for lawmakers to take swift, comprehensive action to ensure long-term security and a clear path to Citizenship for DACA recipients and the 11 million undocumented immigrants living in the U.S. We emphasize the importance of moving beyond temporary measures and establishing a fair and equitable future for DACA beneficiaries and their families.

Jorge De La Fuente, Immigration Lawyer for LUPE, said:  “Judge Andrew Hanen’s ruling on Wednesday was not a surprise. This is not the first time this judge has ruled against the temporary protections to hundreds of thousands of Dreamers as the ongoing DACA legal battle continues in our court system. We know the Biden administration is expected to appeal Wednesday’s ruling and the case is likely to reach the U.S. Supreme Court. In the meantime, it is important to note that nothing has changed with the DACA program as of today. DACA renewals will continue to be taken and individuals can still apply for and return on advance parole. La Union Del Pueblo Entero and our members are committed to seeking a permanent solution for DACA recipients. We know that Congress has the ability to protect current DACA recipients and the thousands more that were denied the ability to apply for DACA for the first time. It’s time that we come together and demand Congress pass a pathway to citizenship for the 11 million undocumented people in this country once and for all.”

Karina Hernandez, DACA Recipient and Data Entry Clerk, for LUPE, said: “¿Por qué el Juez Hanen decide que DACA es ilegal? ¿Cómo le afecta a él que los DREAMERS puedan renovar sus permisos? La discriminación todavía existe, ya que no nos aceptan como nosotros nos aceptamos mutuamente. Todos somos seres humanos de carne y hueso; un pedazo de papel no debería marcar la diferencia. ¿Acaso Estados Unidos no tomó de México? Eso significa que también pertenecemos aquí, porque somos de aquí. Ya basta de falsas promesas, queremos que el Congreso actúe, y queremos que nuestro Presidente, Joe Biden, nos ayude como prometió. Queremos una resolución, no más promesas vacías. No podemos seguir viviendo en la esperanza.”

To arrange virtual or in person interviews with Karina Hernandez, Data Entry Clerk, Jorge De La Fuente, Immigration Attorney contact Ramiro Gonzalez, LUPE Communications Coordinator, at (956) 360-4277 or ramirog@lupenet.org. Interviews available in English and Spanish.

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LUPE is a nonprofit organization that helps the community organize for and win a better quality of life. LUPE was founded in 1989 by farmworker and civil rights leaders Cesar E. Chavez and Dolores Huerta. We are a membership-based organization and our strength is found in the participation of our over eight thousand members.