LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Dear Editor Armando Garcia: Three years ago this week, President Obama announced that he would provide administrative relief to millions of young people who came to the United States as children and meet certain requirements. The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program allows undocumented immigrants who are younger than 31 years of age as of June 15, 2012, and meet other criteria to apply to stay in the U.S. and receive work authorization. It was a hard-won victory for people who have only ever called the U.S. their home. And we are already seeing how DACA allows recipients to continue contributing to our country. In the first two years after implementation: 60% of DACA recipients obtained a new job 49% opened bank accounts 33% got their first credit card 57% got a driver’s license DACA is still available under the 2012 guidelines. You can learn how to apply here or by downloading NCLR’s Immigo app for free from iTunes or the Google Play store. Administrative relief translates into real benefits for the whole country, and it ensures that we keep families together. On this third anniversary, let’s guarantee the promise of the American Dream by working to expand DACA and implement its sister program, DAPA! Sincerely, Laura Vazquez P.S.—Join us on Facebook as we celebrate this great program and push for the expansion of DACA.