February 28, 2023
Boulder County Supports Legal Efforts in Defense of DACA and Dreamers
Boulder County, Colo. -- Following on from Boulder County’s previous support of the Deferred Action on Childhood Arrivals (DACA) Program, the Boulder County Commissioners have unanimously agreed for the county to join Los Angeles in an amicus brief in United States District Court. This latest court decision will be crucial for the future of the DACA program and the futures of the more than 800,000 people who have grown up in the United States and are at risk of deportation.
The plaintiffs, which include Texas, are asking Judge Hanen of the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas to undo the DACA program once and for all, which would create an immediate risk of deportation for thousands of county residents.
“Boulder County is joining local governments from across the country, who share a common interest in fostering communities where all residents, regardless of immigration status, are able to provide for themselves and their families and feel safe and welcomed to participate in civic life,” said Commissioner Marta Loachamin. “From working alongside a variety of community groups in schools, health care, and small business owners, I know this topic is important to many people locally and I’m proud that we at the county have an opportunity to lend our support and our voice to this crucial issue.”
What is DACA and who are the Dreamers?
In 2012, President Obama issued the DACA executive order after the Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act did not pass in Congress. DACA protects from deportation certain undocumented immigrants who meet strict criteria, many of whom arrived at a young age in circumstances beyond their control and who grew up in the United States. The people impacted by DACA and the DREAM Act are often referred to as “Dreamers.”
On September 5, 2017, President Trump ordered an end to the DACA program. Although President Biden issued a federal rule formalizing the DACA program in August of 2022, it is being challenged in U.S. District Court by a collection of 9 states, including Texas, where the case is being heard.
What is an amicus brief?
Amicus Curiae translated from Latin is "friend of the court." Generally, it refers to a person or group who are not a party in a court case, but who have a strong interest in the matter. This person or group will petition the court for permission to submit a brief to influence the court’s decision. Such a brief is called an "amicus brief".
For more information about DACA, including updates on court decisions, visit the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services DACA website.
