Statement on Strengthening Protections for Beneficiaries of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Program

"Dreamers" are part of the fabric of this Nation. They serve on the front lines of the pandemic response. They are students, entrepreneurs, and small-business owners. Many serve bravely in our military. They've only ever known America as their home.

Ten years ago, I stood by President Obama as he announced one of our proudest accomplishments: creating the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, known as DACA. The program has transformed the lives of hundreds of thousands of young "Dreamers" by allowing them to live here and contribute their talents to this great country without fear of removal. Today we are fulfilling our commitment to preserve and strengthen DACA by finalizing a rule that will reinforce protections, like work authorization, that allow "Dreamers" to live more freely and to invest in their communities more fully.

I will do everything within my power to protect "Dreamers," but congressional Republicans should stop blocking a bill that provides a pathway to citizenship for "Dreamers." It is not only the right thing to do, it is also the smart thing to do for our economy and our communities.