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DACA Turns 12: Established June 15, 2012, Protecting Over 800,000 Dreamers

Jun 15, 2024, 01:52 PM

This week marks the 12th anniversary of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, established by President Obama on June 15, 2012. DACA has provided over 800,000 young undocumented immigrants, known as Dreamers, with the ability to live, work, and study in the United States without fear of deportation. Despite their significant contributions to society as doctors, teachers, first responders, and more, Dreamers still lack a permanent pathway to citizenship. Many of the beneficiaries are Mexican immigrants. Lawmakers and advocates are calling on Congress to pass the Dream Act to ensure permanent protections for these individuals who have known no other home than the United States.