Horsford Statement on DACA's 14th Anniversary: 'They Did Everything Right'

NORTH LAS VEGAS, NV – Congressman Steven Horsford (NV-04) released the following statement on the 14th anniversary of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program:

“Fourteen years ago, DACA gave hundreds of thousands of young people the chance to live without fear. Dreamers did not choose to come here but they grew up here. They went to school here. They built careers, families, and futures here. This is the only home they have ever known. And yet, Congress keeps delaying, keeps ignoring, and real people are paying the price.

This morning, I sat down with local Dreamers, and they all shared similar stories. They submitted their paperwork on time, followed every requirement, and paid their fees. In short, they did everything right. I heard from healthcare workers who are worried they won't be able to see their patients because their renewals are still pending. From an interpreter who serves the Deaf community and faces uncertainty about whether they can keep doing their job. From parents who check their email every single day, wondering if today is the day they lose their work authorization, their driver's license, their livelihood.

None of them were asking for special treatment. They were asking for fairness, transparency, and answers for the chance to keep contributing to the only place they call home. In my district alone, nearly 11,000 Dreamers contribute more than $300 million annually to our economy. We cannot grow this economy while undermining the very workforce that helps sustain it.

For fourteen years, Dreamers have upheld their end of the bargain. It's time Congress holds ours. We need answers from DHS and USCIS, an end to these unacceptable delays, and permanent protections and a pathway to citizenship for Dreamers. After fourteen years they've earned it.”

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