07.23.21

Durbin Discusses DACA Program With DHS Secretary Mayorkas

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, met virtually yesterday afternoon with U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas to discuss the importance of fortifying DACA and passing the Dream Act following a Texas federal judge vacating the DACA program earlier this month. The judge’s ruling prohibits the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from approving new DACA applications.

“I’m relieved to work with an Administration that values the lives and contributions of Dreamers and other immigrants. But with continued threats to the DACA program like the recent federal ruling in Texas, we must act swiftly to protect Dreamers and make good on our promise to them,” said Durbin. “My conversation with Secretary Mayorkas was an opportunity to push for stronger protections for the DACA program and its recipients who only know the U.S. as home.”

A photo of today’s virtual meeting is available here.

Last month, Durbin held a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on the urgent need for the Senate to take up the House-passed American Dream and Promise Act.

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