The U.S. Supreme Court to rule on DACA in coming weeks as nearly 200,000 DACA recipients serve on the frontlines in hospitals and across essential industries like food distribution and education
SAN FRANCISCO — April 16, 2020 — Latino Community Fund (LCF) and the National Latino Funds Alliance (NLFA), a leadership group of Latino philanthropic organizations, are urging Speaker Nancy Pelosi to protect DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) recipients as the fate of their future looms with the U.S. Supreme Court ruling just weeks ahead. DACA recipients contribute to our country’s public health, economy, and national security in the face of a global COVID-19 pandemic.
Latino Community Foundation and National Latino Funds Alliance urge Speaker Nancy Pelosi to protect DACA recipients providing lifesaving care during pandemic
The U.S. Supreme Court to rule on DACA in coming weeks as nearly 200,000 DACA recipients serve on the frontlines in hospitals and across essential industries like food distribution and education
SAN FRANCISCO — April 16, 2020 — Latino Community Foundation (LCF) and the National Latino Funds Alliance (NLFA), a leadership group of Latino philanthropic organizations, are urging Speaker Nancy Pelosi to protect DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) recipients as the fate of their future looms with the U.S. Supreme Court ruling just weeks ahead. DACA recipients contribute to our country’s public health, economy, and national security in the face of a global COVID-19 pandemic.
LCF and its NLFA partners sent a letter to Speaker Pelosi asking for her leadership at this critical moment. In addition to LCF, the alliance includes — Greater Kansas City Hispanic Development Fund in Kansas City, Nuestro Futuro in Chicago, Latino Community Fund in Washington state, Latino Community Foundation of Colorado, and Hispanic Federation in New York.
If the Supreme Court rules to terminate the DACA program, 700,000 recipients will begin to lose their work authorization and become eligible for deportation proceedings. This will have a grave impact on the nation’s healthcare system already on the brink as they fight to save thousands of lives impacted by COVID-19 across large cities and rural towns across America.
“Approximately 27,000 DACA recipients are providing lifesaving care as we battle one of the worst public health crises in our lifetime,” said Jacqueline Martinez Garcel, CEO of LCF and co-chair of NLFA. “DACA recipients have always been vital to our nation’s healthcare system and that’s evident now more than ever. They and their families are woven into all aspects of our society. It's about time we acted boldly on their behalf and pave a path to citizenship for them.”
DACA recipients also serve in the U.S. Armed Forces and the National Guard, which is being deployed in several states to establish COVID-19 testing sites, to assist with food and medical supply distribution, and support public safety efforts.
Furthermore, in the six states represented by NLFA members — California, Colorado, Illinois, Missouri, New York and Washington — DACA recipients contribute $4.6 billion in federal, state and local taxes. Their combined spending power amounts to more than $11 billion. These are dollars used to fund the country’s educational, health, and infrastructure projects. Losing this revenue would be detrimental to the economic recovery efforts of this nation.
Following are quotes from NLFA leadership partners:
Greater Kansas City Hispanic Development Fund: “The Greater Kansas City Hispanic Development Fund believes the enduring spirit of our DACA community is what our country needs now more than ever. We are proud to stand with them.” David O. Ochoa, Executive Director, Greater Kansas City Hispanic Development Fund.
Hispanic Federation: “DACA recipients are our nation's dreamers and they show us every day why they are essential members of our society,” said Frankie Miranda, President of the Hispanic Federation. “It is an affront to logic, our hearts and American values that as tens of thousands of them risk their lives to keep us safe during this unprecedented health crisis, that their fate rests on one court decision. Hispanic Federation joins the National Latino Funds Alliance in calling on Congress to pass legislation that will ensure that DACA recipients can continue to work and exercise in the future their full rights as American citizens.”
Latino Community Foundation of Colorado: "The global pandemic has resulted in devastating health outcomes and unprecedented economic uncertainties across the United States. DACA recipients, including thousands here in Colorado, must endure an additional layer of uncertainty during this crisis as congress sits idly by. This is the time for action by our elected officials. There is no time to waste." Carlos Martinez, President and CEO, Latino Community Foundation of Colorado.
Latino Community Fund of Washington: “The Latino Community Fund of Washington stands with its DACA recipients in our state and across the country. They are our families, our community, and serve our country every day; we must ensure their protection in this country.” Lilliane Ballesteros, Executive Director, Latino Community Fund of Washington
Nuestro Futuro: "DACA recipients are part of the fabric of our great city and country. They have contributed to our greatness and served our city and country honorably in times of triumph and need. During these unsettling times, we must do right by them and ensure they have the protections necessary to stay in their country ” – Doris Salomon and Angel Gutierrez, Co-Chairs of Nuestro Futuro, an identity fund that has served the Latinx community in the Chicago region, including many immigrant rights organizations that work with DACA youth.