Congressman Adriano Espaillat Statement Marking 5th Anniversary of DACA

Statement

Congressman Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) issued the following statement in recognition of the 5th Anniversary of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program:

"DACA has afforded immigrant youth tremendous opportunities and a renewed sense of hope for their trajectory in America," said Rep. Espaillat. "The profound impact of DACA can be measured in increased educational and employment outcomes for young immigrants and economic growth for the nation.

"Unfortunately, the immigrant community has come under attack by the Trump Administration -- our immigrant community, our families, and our youth. DACA works, yet the Trump administration has consistently undermined the efforts of the DACA program -- and put the future of these young people at stake.

"Quoting one of my favorite lines from the play Hamilton: "I'm just like my country--I'm young, scrappy, and hungry, and I am not throwing away my shot.' We must give these young people a shot! A shot at achieving and realizing the dream for opportunity and achievement."

Since the DACA program was launched in 2012, nearly 790,000 young people have been reviewed and approved by federal officials to receive temporary relief from deportation and work authorization.

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