Harris vows to protect DACA: 'The story of Dreamers is a story of America'
Vice President Harris lauded the Biden administration's moves to protect recipients under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program Saturday, the 12th anniversary of the Obama-era policy.
"The story of Dreamers is a story of America. Dreamers across our Nation serve in our military, teach in our classrooms, and lead our small businesses as entrepreneurs. They are our neighbors, classmates, and loved ones," she wrote in a statement. "Their ambition and aspiration power our communities, economy, and country – and they deserve our protection."
"I have worked alongside President Biden to preserve and fortify DACA, including by ensuring Dreamers have access to affordable health care, which will improve the health of all communities," Harris added.
But, the vice president said, it is ultimately up to Congress to fortify protections for the recipients under the program, which safeguards immigrants who were brought to the U.S. illegally as children from being deported.
"Lawmakers must pass legislation that creates a path to citizenship," she wrote. "The time for a lasting solution is long overdue."
Biden echoed her sentiments in his own statement Saturday, saying he was proud of the contributions that "Dreamers" have made to the country.
"Twelve years ago today, President Obama and I announced the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program to allow our young people to live and work in the only country they’ve called home," he wrote in a statement, shared by the White House. "Since then, DACA has provided more than 800,000 Dreamers with the ability to work lawfully, pursue an education, open businesses, and contribute their enormous talents to make our communities better and stronger."
"While Vice President Harris and I will continue fighting for our Dreamers, only Congress can provide permanent and lasting stability for them and their families. Congress must still act," the president added.
Biden's reelection campaign also dropped two videos Saturday hitting former President Trump on his controversial immigration stance — including threats to end the DACA program — and promoting the duo's commitment to protecting "Dreamers" and finding a path to citizenship for them and their families.
In one ad, titled "Standing with Dreamers," Harris also blasts Trump, the presumptive GOP nominee, for what she called "cruel and ineffective" immigration policies during his administration, including separating families and threats to deport "millions of people" if reelected.