SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS RADIO) – This week marks the 10th anniversary of DACA, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, an Obama-era immigration policy that allowed children of undocumented immigrants to remain in the United States after being brought over by their parents.
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"And it has become one of the most successful immigration policies in nearly 40 years – that’s a good thing to celebrate," said Greisa Martinez Rosas, who is undocumented.
The anniversary has sparked a new conversation as to how this generation of so-called "Dreamers" should proceed going forward.
For California Senator Alex Padilla, a more permanent solution is needed for the thousands of young people who were able to pursue their American dreams while contributing to the nation's economy over the last decade.
"On the one hand we're celebrating 10 years, but we're celebrating 10 years of not giving up," he said. "We need to codify DACA protections and more into federal law."
Padilla is hosting a press conference on Wednesday to commemorate the anniversary, as well as highlight the need to pass the DREAM Act, which would make the protections permanent.
According to Padilla, they need at least 10 Republicans in the Senate to join with the effort.
The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals is slated to hear oral arguments to determine DACA’s future viability in the coming weeks.
Padilla is also urging President Biden to take executive action to further protect Dreamers.
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