[ST. PAUL, MN] – Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) Chairman Ken Martin released the following statement on the fifth anniversary of the enactment of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). There are about 800,000 DREAMers in the U.S., including about 6,000 here in Minnesota.
“In Minnesota, we have seen firsthand how our communities are strengthened by welcoming immigrants and refugees. Five years ago today, DACA gave thousands of young immigrants in our state a fair chance at the American dream. These DREAMers, many who were brought here as children, were given the opportunity to come out of the shadows, contribute to their communities, and stand up proudly as the Americans they are.”
“If President Trump ends DACA, 800,000 talented young people will once again live in fear of having the life they know uprooted by deportation. They are nurses, engineers, small business owners, and more. Many came here at such a young age that America is the only country they’ve ever known, and the ‘Star Spangled Banner’ is the only national anthem they’ve ever sung. Ending this critical program would upend promising careers, hurt businesses, and rip the fabric of our great nation.”
“In these troubled times, it is important for all of us to stand up for people in our communities, including the DREAMers who make our country stronger.
We will defend DACA every step of the way—and continue working to fix our country’s broken immigration system.”