June 15, 2024 - On Saturday, President Joe Biden released a Statement on the Anniversary of DACA.
Twelve years ago today, President Obama and I announced the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program to allow our young people to live 
and work in the only country they’ve called home. Since then, DACA has provided more than 800,000 Dreamers with the ability to work lawfully, pursue an education, open businesses, and contribute their enormous talents to make our communities better and stronger.
I’m proud of the contributions of Dreamers to our country and I am committed to providing Dreamers the support they need to succeed. That’s why I directed the Department of Homeland Security to take all appropriate actions to “preserve and fortify” DACA, and that’s why we continue to vigorously defend the DACA rule in court. That’s also why last month, the Department of Health and Human Services took the historic step of expanding access to affordable, quality health coverage to DACA recipients through the Affordable Care Act.
On Day One of my administration, I sent a comprehensive immigration reform plan to Congress to protect Dreamers and their families. While Vice President Harris and I will continue fighting for our Dreamers, only Congress can provide permanent and lasting stability for them and their families. Congress must still act.
Statement from Vice President Kamala Harris on the Anniversary of DACA
Twelve years ago today, President Obama announced protections that have made it possible for more than 800,000 Dreamers to live, study, work, and raise families in the only home they have ever known.
The story of Dreamers is a story of America. Dreamers across our Nation serve in our military, teach in our classrooms, and lead our small businesses as entrepreneurs. They are our neighbors, classmates, and loved ones. Their ambition and aspiration power our communities, economy, and country – and
they deserve our protection.
As the Attorney General of California and as a United States Senator, I fought to defend and protect Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). And as Vice President, I have worked alongside President Biden to preserve and fortify DACA, including by ensuring Dreamers have access to affordable health care, which will improve the health of all communities.
While President Biden and I will continue fighting to protect Dreamers, only the United States Congress can ensure permanent protections for these young people and their families. Lawmakers must pass legislation that creates a path to citizenship. The time for a lasting solution is long overdue.
Source: Office of the White House
