WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), chair of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, and Border Safety, released the following statement after the 5th Circuit announced its ruling in Texas v. United States.

“Today’s 5th Circuit decision denies DACA recipients the security and stability they deserve. We cannot continue to let them live in limbo, facing the cruelty of uncertainty each and every day. While DACA remains in place for now, this is not a victory until we secure permanent protections for Dreamers. This ruling further underscores the need for Republicans to work with Democrats to swiftly take up and pass legislation.

“Dreamers are integrated in our communities and contribute billions of dollars to our economy. They work as teachers, nurses, farm workers, and in many other essential jobs — and they deserve relief once and for all. I call on all my colleagues to treat this issue with the urgency it deserves.”

Senator Padilla is a strong advocate and leader for immigration reform. As Chair of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, and Border Safety, Padilla has now led five hearings to highlight the urgency of taking action to fix our outdated and broken immigration system. Padilla is an original cosponsor of the U.S. Citizenship Act of 2021, legislation to overhaul the American immigration system, restore fairness and humanity to the system, strengthen families, boost our economy, and open a pathway to citizenship for millions. He also introduced the Citizenship for Essential Workers Act to create a pathway to citizenship for undocumented essential workers, including Dreamers.

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