News / Human Rights

Biden admin. says it wants to ‘preserve, fortify’ program for immigrants brought to US as kids

Monday, 27 September 2021 9:55 PM [ Last Update: Monday, 27 September 2021 9:57 PM ]

A woman from Dominican republic speaks as people attend a protest supporting DACA, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, at Foley Square in New York, on August 17, 2021. (Photo by Kena Betancur / AFP)

The Biden administration claims it is taking steps to “preserve and fortify” an Obama-era program offering protections for immigrants brought to US as children, known as DACA.

"The Biden-Harris administration continues to take action to protect Dreamers and recognize their contributions to this country,” Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said in a statement.

The statement came as harrowing deportation of Haitian immigrants and refugee seekers from the US shocked the world despite outcry from human rights advocates both inside and outside the country.

US removes last Haitian migrants from Del Rio encampment amid widespread outrage

Homeland Security secretary confirms that around 2,000 migrants have been “repatriated” to Haiti on 17 flights.

“This notice of proposed rulemaking is an important step to achieve that goal. However, only Congress can provide permanent protection," Mayorkas claimed. "I support the inclusion of immigration reform in the reconciliation bill and urge Congress to act swiftly to provide Dreamers the legal status they need and deserve."

The program has been at the center of a power play between liberals and conservatives in the United States.

During his first year in office, former US President Donald had tried to end the program but he faced opposition from the Supreme Court and was later ordered by a New York judge to restore it.