WASHINGTON (June 18, 2020) – Today, John B. King Jr., president and CEO of The Education Trust, issued the following statement:

“Today’s decision is a victory not just for Dreamers, but for the future prosperity of our nation. The Supreme Court’s ruling blocking the Trump administration’s decision to terminate the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program brings a sigh of relief for the nearly 700,000 Dreamers working, learning, and contributing to their communities every day.

“The Trump administration’s attempt to upend the lives and dreams of young people — the majority of whom have known America as their only home — was cruel, destructive, and threatened to sow further seeds of division during a time when our nation needs unity and hope. This decision strengthens our education system, our economy, and the promise of the American Dream.

“In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, over 200,000 Dreamers have worked on the frontlines and in essential roles to protect their neighbors and communities. Securing their livelihood during a time when their talents and contributions are needed puts our country in a better position to combat this debilitating virus. We know that there are hundreds of thousands of Dreamers pursuing higher education despite being ineligible to receive federal financial aid to make college more affordable. For undocumented students in our nation’s public education system, today’s decision says that we believe in and support their ability to reach their full potential, regardless of immigration status. For DACA-mented teachers, this ruling will provide comfort in knowing that they can continue to teach their students rather than being ripped from their classrooms.

“Congress must act immediately to pass the American Dream and Promise Act (H.R. 6), to codify DACA and Temporary Protected Status (TPS) protections, shielding young people from deportation and allowing them to continue to live in and contribute to their communities and to our nation.”