House Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar released a statement on the 14th anniversary of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program on June 15, affirming House Democrats’ commitment to protecting Dreamers from Republican attacks on immigrants.
“Fourteen years ago, the creation of the DACA program gave young people who were brought to this country as children the opportunity to live, work and build a life in the greatest nation on earth,” Aguilar said in his statement released by the House Democratic Caucus.
DACA was established on June 15, 2012, when then-Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano announced the program through a departmental memorandum under the Obama administration. The program provides temporary relief from deportation and work authorization to undocumented immigrants brought to the U.S. as children who meet specific eligibility criteria.
Aguilar highlighted the contributions DACA recipients make to American society. “Dreamers and DACA recipients are part of America’s story: they are our nation’s doctors, teachers, small business owners and veterans, enriching our communities and strengthening our economy,” he stated.
The economic impact of DACA recipients is substantial. According to FWD.us, approximately 87 percent of DACA recipients participate in the labor force, contributing nearly $17 billion to the U.S. economy. As of March 2025, there are 525,210 active DACA recipients living, working, and paying taxes across every U.S. state, according to the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC).
However, Aguilar’s statement reflects growing concerns about the current administration’s immigration enforcement approach. “But as we mark this anniversary, Dreamers continue to face uncertainty because of Donald Trump’s and Republicans’ relentless attacks on the immigrant community and the DACA program,” he said.
The Trump administration has pursued aggressive immigration enforcement policies that have affected DACA holders. In February 2026, the Department of Homeland Security admitted to deporting more than 80 DACA recipients, sparking fear among DACA holders and concerns from advocates about enforcement priorities. Additionally, the Trump administration proposed a rule in June 2026 that would make it harder for several categories of immigrants, notably those in the U.S. on humanitarian parole as well as DACA recipients, to maintain their status.
Aguilar emphasized that Trump pledged to target the most violent criminals but has instead gone after law-abiding immigrants. “Donald Trump said his immigration enforcement would go after the most violent criminals. Instead, he’s going after law-abiding immigrants and DACA recipients whose parents brought them to this country for a better life,” Aguilar stated.
The House Democratic Caucus Chair concluded by reaffirming Democratic resolve on the issue. “The United States has always been a nation of immigrants, built on hope, opportunity and the promise of a better tomorrow. That’s why House Democrats will keep fighting to protect DACA recipients from extremists’ attacks and hold the President accountable for his cruel and un-American immigration policies.”
Sources
- House Democrats — Statement from Chairman Aguilar on the 14th Anniversary of DACA, June 15, 2026
- American Immigration Council — Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA): An Overview, including February 2026 deportation data
- FWD.us — DACA Anniversary: 14 Years of Growth & Success, May 2026 labor force participation and economic contribution figures
- LULAC — Economic Impact of DACA Recipients, March 31, 2025 active recipient count
- Arizona State University Law Guides — DACA History, confirming June 15, 2012 establishment by Obama administration
- Senator Dick Durbin — Press release calling out Trump administration’s actions against DACA, May 5, 2026
- Houston Public Media — Trump administration’s proposed rule limiting work permits for DACA and other immigrants, June 5, 2026
