Biden vows to appeal 'very disappointing' DACA ruling

Joe Biden

Biden vows to appeal 'very disappointing' DACA ruling

He called on Congress again to pass the American Dream and Promise Act "to finally provide security to all dreamers, who have long lived in fear."

President Joe Biden declared 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 renews his calls for Congress to find a durable solution.

In a statement, he said Friday's decision was "deeply disappointing." 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 have unknown future."

DACA program has allowed thousands of immigrants 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 resided in the United States for a decade.

But Texas and eight states tried to stop this program. President Joe Biden urged Congress to move forward with legislation to protect those covered by the program permanently. "Only Congress can ensure a lasting solution by giving a path to citizenship that will provide the 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 immigrants who have long lived in fear."

The House in March approved legislation creating a pathway toward citizenship for those affected, but the measure stopped in Congress. Immigration advocates are looking forward to including a provision in the sweeping budget legislation that Democrats want to pass this year.