It’s great news that the Supreme Court has blocked the Administration’s attempt to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program (DACA). For many DACA recipients, "Dreamers," the United States is the only home that they have ever known. They have built their lives, their families, and their livelihoods in this country. As a result of today’s decision, approximately 650,000 Dreamers will rest easier.
And yet we must continue to fight for their right to be part of the communities they call home. While we celebrate today’s ruling, we know that it is not a long-term solution. Like all undocumented people in our country, Dreamers still do not have a clear path to citizenship.
Dreamers belong in our communities, and they make them stronger. They actively participate in civic life, striving to improve their schools, workplaces and communities. They are innovators at top companies, health care workers, and teachers. And as our nation grapples with the COVID-19 crisis, 202,500 Dreamers are risking their lives on the front lines, working to protect our health and safety.
Dreamers also contribute significantly to the economic security of our communities, particularly in California. Our state is home to 200,000 Dreamers, more than any other state, and nationwide, Dreamers and their families pay approximately $5.7 billion in federal taxes and $3.1 billion in state and local taxes.
Cal Wellness will continue to invest in and advocate for the health and wellness of immigrants. Since 2017, we have made significant investments to ensure immigrants are treated fairly, have access to health care and other critical public services, and have a path to citizenship so that the lives they have built are secure.
Today we celebrate and reaffirm our commitment to Dreamers and all immigrants as valued members of our California communities.
These organizations are leading the way in supporting immigrant communities, and we encourage you to follow them and engage:
National Immigration Law Center
Jewish Family Service of San Diego
Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA)