County To Oppose Efforts to End DACA

A family who are DACA recipients are present during press conference for immigrant workers facing the termination of their own TPS status plan, at the US Court of Appeals on Monday, July 20, 2020. (Photo by James Carbone)

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors voted Tuesday to challenge any federal government action to rescind the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.

DACA allows many non-U.S. citizens who came to this country illegally as children to remain and work here without fear of deportation.

An estimated 700,000 young people, so-called “Dreamers,” rely on two-year, renewable permits issued under the program.

More than 1,000 DACA students attend Pasadena City College. DACA students also attend Fuller Theological Seminary.

Officials at both schools have expressed their support for DACA students.

Said Supervisor Mark Ridley Thomas, “Now, more than ever, we must be resolved to keep fighting on behalf of our immigrant communities, especially in the face of an administration that has continually attacked a community that is so vital to every facet of our country.

“Those who have relied on DACA for their livelihood and peace of mind need our help.”

In June, the Supreme Court blocked an effort by the Trump Administration to end DACA.

The ruling did not determine that the Trump administration violated the Constitution, but instead said the administration violated procedure. It also did not rule out future attempts to terminate the program, and may even establish a road map to end DACA.

Fuller Seminary was especially excited about the decision. Student Norma Ramirez was one of the 11 plaintiffs suing the Trump administration.

“Ramirez has demonstrated tremendous resolve and determination as she has pursued the call of her life’s work, even in the face of a future that has been uncertain,” the seminary said after the Supreme Court decision.

“In this case, Ramirez fought for justice on behalf of the hundreds of thousands of DACA recipients who have often had to live in fear and uncertainty as their fate rested with a mercurial judicial system. We are proud of and thankful for her.”

Officials at Fuller said the decision provides one less barrier for students to navigate as they work toward realizing their dreams of achieving a degree, certificate or transfer.

Repealing DACA was a major part of Trump’s campaign platform during the 2016 election.

Late last month, the Department of Homeland Security released a memorandum stating it planned to review the program and would, in the meantime, reject new applications for permits and only grant renewals for one year.