Yesterday marked the twelfth anniversary of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, initiated during the presidency of Barack Obama with then-Vice President Joe Biden at his side. President Biden issued a statement commemorating the date and reiterating his administration's commitment to the program that has allowed over 800,000 young immigrants, known as Dreamers, to remain in the U.S. to work and pursue education—key contributors to their communities. In his statement, Biden said, "I’m proud of the contributions of Dreamers to our country and I am committed to providing Dreamers the support they need to succeed."

According to the statement from The White House, the Biden administration has directed the Department of Homeland Security to "preserve and fortify" DACA and continues to defend the DACA rule in court. Further support comes through the expansion of health coverage to DACA recipients via the Affordable Care Act—a move by the Department of Health and Human Services lauded as historic.

In 2021, President Biden sent an immigration reform plan to Congress aiming to secure protections for Dreamers and their families. However, the statement emphasizes the necessity for congressional action, adding, "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," as The White House.

Biden's administration has been persistent in its commitment amidst ongoing legal challenges and legislative stalemates. Dreamers and advocates alike await the legislative action that would secure their place in the only country many of them know. As stated by Biden, "Congress must still act," as mentioned by The White House.