Comment on Attorney General Landry’s Demand for Trump Administration to End DACA Status for DREAMers

NEW ORLEANS — ACLU of Louisiana issued the following statement regarding Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry’s call for the federal government to phase out Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), which allows immigrants, known as DREAMers, who came to the U.S. as children to apply for a work permit and temporary protection against deportation.

“It’s appalling that Attorney General Landry is urging the Trump administration to target young DREAMers and make its immigration policy even more cruel and draconian than it already is,” said Marjorie R. Esman, ACLU of Louisiana executive director. “These young people were brought to the U.S. as children and have worked hard and played by the rules ever since — going to school, starting businesses, and giving back to their communities. We condemn Attorney General Landry’s decision to make such an extreme and vindictive demand and will continue to stand with these young people who deserve our respect and support.”

In order to be eligible for DACA, a person needs to be under the age of 31 as of June 15, 2012; enter the United States prior to their 16th birthday; be currently in the United States; be in school, have graduated, or completed a general education program; and pass a background check. 17 states have statewide policies permitting DACA recipients pay in-state tuition at all state institutions of higher education. All states now allow DACA recipients to obtain driver’s licenses.