Immigrants Rising’s Statement on the 14th Anniversary of DACA
LOS ANGELES, Calif. (June 15, 2026) — Fourteen years ago on this day, the lives of thousands of young immigrants were completely transformed through the signing of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) policy. The tremendous and positive impact of DACA is undeniable. More than 835,000 immigrants have participated in the program, which has enabled them to build careers, support their families, and strengthen communities across the country. While DACA has been a lifeline to hundreds of thousands of people, the time for permanent solutions for all immigrants cannot be delayed further.
DACA is facing its most dangerous attacks since its inception. Today, more than 340 DACA recipients have been detained, and more than 90 are deported. Millions of immigrants are in limbo as years of Congressional inaction prevent new pathways to citizenship for new generations of immigrants, including DACA-eligible youth whose applications remain unprocessed by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). DACA recipients must renew their status every two years, often facing compounding costs, administrative burdens, and processing delays. For some, these delays have resulted in the loss or suspension of employment, healthcare access, and other essential needs, to no fault of their own.
DACA was the result of decades of hard-fought advocacy by immigrant youth, families, community leaders, and coalitions. Today, nearly a decade and a half later, the same immigrant voices, including the now-older DACA recipients, are still fighting—not only to preserve DACA, but to also secure permanent solutions and a pathway to citizenship for all immigrants.
On this fourteenth anniversary of DACA, Immigrants Rising honors the resilience and contributions of DACA recipients and recognizes the challenges they continue to face amid ongoing political and legal uncertainty; we stand with you. The physical and mental strains that come with living without certainty and a sense of security are not easy, and we see the great strength and perseverance you have to survive.
“As a former DACA recipient, I know firsthand that when people are given the chance to study, work, and build their lives without fear of deportation, we are all better for it. The continued erosion of DACA represents a profound injustice to the hundreds of thousands of individuals who have built their lives here. On this fourteenth anniversary of DACA, Immigrants Rising remains committed to supporting DACA recipients and advocating for lasting, equitable immigration solutions for all,” said Dr. Iliana Perez, Executive Director of Immigrants Rising.
We call on Congress to immediately restore protections for DACA recipients as spelled out in the policy. On DACA’s fourteenth year, we also urge Congress to expeditiously pass legislation that provides a just pathway to citizenship for all immigrants. It is time for all immigrants, including current and eligible DACA recipients, to no longer have to live in limbo.
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Founded in 2006, Immigrants Rising transforms individuals and fuels broader changes. With resources and support, undocumented young people are able to get an education, pursue careers, and build a brighter future for themselves and their community. Our collective power is helping our nation edge closer to fulfilling its ideal as a land of opportunity and access for all.
