Statement from Secretary Mayorkas on the 11th Anniversary of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Policy

WASHINGTON - Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas released the following statement on the 11^th anniversary of the creation of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) policy.

"Today, on the 11^th anniversary of DACA's inception, the Dreamers - our friends and neighbors, teachers and nurses, firefighters and little league coaches who contribute to the strength of our nation - live in uncertainty, waiting to receive the permanent protection they deserve. For many of them, America is the only country and only home they have ever known.

"I strongly urge Congress to finally give Dreamers the support they merit. In the meantime, the Department of Homeland Security will continue to advocate on behalf of DACA recipients every day, in the courts and through our actions, until Congress provides an enduring solution."

Secretary Mayorkas led the development and implementation of DACA during his tenure as the Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Last year, the Department of Homeland Security codified DACA in regulation.