Statement from Secretary Mayorkas on the U.S. District Court Ruling on DACA

WASHINGTON – Today, Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas released the following statement regarding the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas ruling on Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA):

“As the Secretary of Homeland Security who promulgated a final rule to preserve and fortify DACA last year, and as the former Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) who, in 2012, led the development and implementation of DACA, I am deeply disappointed by the ruling and uniquely qualified to say that DHS believes DACA is lawful and Constitutional.

"The ruling preserves the stay, which means current DACA recipients will not lose their protection from removal. But this ruling does undermine the security and stability of more than half a million Dreamers who have contributed to our communities. The United States is the only home they have ever known. Congress has failed to act, and now Dreamers face an uncertain future, waiting to receive the permanent protection they deserve.

“Consistent with the ruling, USCIS will continue to process DACA renewals, and DHS will continue to advocate on behalf of DACA recipients every day, in the courts and through our actions. We stand ready to work with Congress on an enduring solution for our Dreamers.”