June 18, 2020
For Immediate Release
Catholic Charities East Bay Encouraged by Supreme Court’s DACA Decision
Oakland, CA, June 18, 2020 — We’re encouraged by the Supreme Court’s decision to allow the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program to continue.
While based on procedural concerns, the decision reflects concern for young people who know the United States as their home country.
We join Catholic Charities USA in strongly urging Congress to prioritize finding a permanent, bipartisan legislative solution to protect DACA recipients.
“The young people protected by this program know the United States as their home, because this is where they grew up, went to school, and began their careers. Sending them away is an injustice. They deserve a path to citizenship,” says Margaret Peterson, CEO, Catholic Charities East Bay.
This year alone, Catholic Charities East Bay has filed 531 DACA renewals, and thanks to the decision, this work can continue. We have also provided hundreds of consultations to DACA recipients to identify other forms of immigration relief. When possible, we help cover the $495 filing fee for DACA renewal.
This decision may open the door for new DACA applications, and we are looking into this. We are also waiting to hear from US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) whether we can also process applications enabling DACA recipients to travel outside of the US.
Catholic Charities East Bay’s Immigration Legal Services team helps people with remedies available under current law, including citizenship. Achieving citizenship is a life-changing experience. Help is available by calling 1-510-768-3100
CONTACT: Mary Kuhn, Communication Director
Catholic Charities East Bay
510-469-1315 or mkuhn@cceb.org
Catholic Charities East Bay helps all people, regardless of faith, in Alameda and Contra Costa Counties. We’ve served people who face barriers for 85 years. Today, we provide rent relief, immigration legal services, and programs promoting mental health and reducing violence.