From the Office of U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján:

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) released the following statement marking the 9th anniversary of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program:

“Nine years ago today, undocumented youth – our friends, neighbors, coworkers, and valued members of our communities were able to come out of the shadows when President Obama established the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program.

­“Since it was established, DACA has empowered these hard-working men and women to continue enriching our communities as essential workers, first responders, doctors, nurses, teachers and military service members while inspiring us with their love of country.

“As we celebrate this important anniversary, we also recognize the constant fear and uncertainty that Dreamers and their families face due to Republican-controlled states continued assault on this program. That’s precisely why Congress must provide a permanent, legislative solution with a pathway to citizenship to ensure that Dreamers can remain in the only home they have ever known.”