Cooperative Baptist leaders expressed disappointment after a Federal Court in Texas ruled that Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) is illegal. The ruling prohibits the Department of Homeland Security from approving new DACA applications, but it does not bar new DACA applicants to submit their applications or affect the more than 700,000 recipients who already have applied successfully. 

DACA enables certain immigrants who were brought to the United States before age 16 to remain in the country. To qualify, they must have lived in the United States continuously since 2007, finished high school or enlisted in the military and have a clean criminal record. 

“Jesus’ call to his disciples ‘I was a stranger and you welcomed me,’ combined with Jesus’ own lived experience as a child refugee give Christians a clear reason to show hospitality to immigrants and refugees in our midst.” Paul Baxley, CBF’s Executive Coordinator said. “That’s why so many Cooperative Baptists are joining with others to urge our government to bring an end to the anxiety and uncertainty that has plagued so many who were brought to this country as children as part of a larger immigration reform effort.”

Although his ruling barred the approval of future applications, Judge Andrew Hanen wrote: “Hundreds of thousands of individual DACA recipients, along with their employers, states, and loved ones, have come to rely on the DACA program. Given those interests, it is not equitable for a government program that has engendered such a significant reliance to terminate suddenly.”

Hanen’s ruling highlights the necessity of legislative response to the plight of immigrants brought to the United States as children, stressed John Mark Boes, CBF’s Advocacy Engagement and Programs Manager. “The time for Congress to act is now. This decision only furthers the state of limbo that 700,000 have experienced.” Boes said.

“If DACA continues to be held in such limbo, we must act now to secure legal status for those who are vital contributors to our communities. Barring future DACA applicants only serves to hurt our communities. To be serious about equity, we must provide a path forward to citizenship to DACA recipients, who through no fault of their own, were brought here,” Boes said.

“Congress’ continued inaction must end now. Passing an immigration reform package now protects and secures the future for DACA recipients after years of uncertainty and anxiety. If we are serious about being Christ followers, we must call on Congress to act.”

CBF leaders agreed the struggle to achieve a legal path to citizenship and security for DACA beneficiaries is not over. Since 2017, CBF’s Advocacy and Action Team on Immigrants and Refugees has been advocating for the right of the Dreamers in the United States.

The stories of Jemima and Itzayana illustrate the struggles DACA recipients still face. CBF advocates continue to urge Congress to protect these young men and women who have endured years of uncertainty and have been waiting for a path to become citizens of the country they call their own.

To urge your senator to create a permanent solution for Dreamers, please sign this letter from the National Immigration Forum, an organization CBF supports. CBF also supports the Interfaith Immigration Coalition, which is hosting a webinar titled, “Citizenship for All: Faithful August Recess Advocacy,” July 27. The webinar will offer strategies to advocate Congress for citizenship for Dreamers, holders of Temporary Protected Status, and essential workers, including farm workers. To register, click here.