Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), issued the following statement in response to news that a federal judge ruled DACA unlawful and suspended further applications.
“This ruling is cruel and wrong, needlessly upending the lives of too many who will now live in fear and uncertainty. The judge’s decision must be overturned, but Congress can’t just wait for the courts to do the right thing—we must act on behalf of America’s Dreamers.
“DACA has allowed more than 800,000 immigrant youth who came to the United States as children to temporarily remain in our country, work lawfully and pursue their education as they wait for the day they can officially become citizens. These young people represent the best of America and they are Americans in every way except on paper—we can’t let them down.
“I have said before that we need to look at every legislative path possible to pass comprehensive immigration reform—including through reconciliation. I am determined to stand up for Dreamers and get this done.”
Earlier this year, Senator Murray made clear that she would pursue every avenue to achieve comprehensive immigration reform, including budget reconciliation. Senator Murray is also a cosponsor of the Dream and Promise Act which would establish a path to citizenship for Dreamers and immigrants with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) or Deferred Enforced Departure (DED).