Biden vows to appeal ‘very disappointing’ DACA ruling

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President Joe Biden said Saturday that the Justice Department intends to appeal a federal judge’s ruling that an Obama-era program is illegal that protects hundreds of thousands of young immigrants from deportation, and renewed his calls for Congress to find a durable solution.

In a statement, he said Friday’s decision was “deeply disappointing,” and while the judge’s order did not affect those already covered by the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, it “refers hundreds of thousands of young immigrants to an uncertain future.”

The program has allowed thousands of young people who were illegally brought to the United States as children, or who had overstayed visas, to live, work and remain in the country. Many of the recipients, known as “Dreamers,” have now resided in the United States for a decade or more.

But Texas and eight other states sued to stop DACA, arguing that President Barack Obama lacked the power to create the program because it circumvented Congress. US District Judge Andrew Hanen in Houston agreed, and while his ruling left the program as is to existing beneficiaries, it prevented the government from approving any new applications.

In his statement, Biden urged Congress to move forward with legislation to permanently protect those covered by the program. “Only Congress can ensure a lasting solution by giving a path to citizenship to Dreamers that will provide the certainty and stability these young people need and deserve,” the president said.

He said, “I have repeatedly called on Congress to pass the American Dream and Promise Act, and now I renew that call with the greatest urgency. I fervently hope that Congress will finally provide security through reconciliation or other means. All dreamers who have long lived in fear.”

The House of Representatives in March approved legislation creating a pathway toward citizenship for those affected, but the measure has stalled in the Senate. Immigration advocates hope to include a provision in the sweeping budget legislation that Democrats want to pass this year, but it is unclear whether that language will continue.

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