Nov. 19, 2021
Carson City, NV – Today, Attorney General Aaron D. Ford joined a coalition
of 24 attorneys general in support of the federal government’s efforts to
preserve and fortify the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.
In a comment letter, the coalition highlights the critical contributions of
hundreds of thousands of Dreamers to broader public health efforts, the economy
and communities across the country — and urges the federal government to
finalize regulations strengthening DACA.
“I will always fight for the right for Dreamers to remain in their
communities,” said AG Ford. “My
office will always fight for our Nevada family, and make no mistake, Dreamers
are a part of that. DACA recipients strengthen our communities, and we must
protect the rights of these people to remain in the country, and state, they
call home.”
Since 2012, DACA has protected approximately 825,000 individuals
who grew up in this country from deportation. Most of the recipients have known
no home other than the United States. DACA has enabled hundreds of thousands of
grantees to enroll in colleges and universities; start local businesses; and
give back to their communities as teachers, medical professionals, engineers
and entrepreneurs.
The contributions of DACA recipients to their communities became
especially evident during the COVID-19 pandemic, as many stood and continue to
stand on the front lines as essential workers. As of April 2020, an estimated
27,000 healthcare workers and support staff depend on DACA for their
authorization to work in the United States, including nurses, dentists,
pharmacists, physician assistants, home health aides, technicians and others.
In the comment letter, the coalition asserts:
- DACA has public safety and public health benefits for states;
- States benefit economically from DACA and DACA recipients;
- DACA and DACA recipients are important to states’ higher education
institutions;
- States have adopted laws, regulations and programs in reliance on
DACA; and
- Opponents of DACA are unable to substantiate any alleged harms.
In
filing the comment letter, Attorney General Ford joins the attorneys general of
California, New Jersey, New York, Colorado,
Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts,
Minnesota, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island,
Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia.
A copy of the comment letter is attached.
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