For Immediate Release: April 28, 2026
Contact: Michael Earls at [email protected]
Washington, DC – Last Friday, the Board of Immigration Appeals issued a decision that “says being a DACA recipient is not enough reason to provide relief from deportation,” as NPR described. The ruling, which is inconsistent with recent legal precedent, adds fear and confusion to Dreamers’ lives and underscores why a permanent legislative solution for Dreamers with and without DACA is so sorely needed.
The following is a statement from Gaby Pacheco, President & CEO of TheDream.US:
“What the BIA ruling says about DACA is alarming and deeply misguided, directly contradicting the DACA regulation and basic fairness. It’s also inconsistent with both recent legal precedent and our national interest. The DACA regulation makes clear the government will not pursue the removal of DACA recipients and the conservative Fifth Circuit ruled in 2025 that it would not disturb that policy (see a detailed MALDEF explainer here).
These aren’t just legal technicalities and complexities. At a moment when Dreamers with DACA, Dreamers who applied to DACA but whose applications are in limbo, and Dreamers who are fully undocumented are each being targeted, this new ruling only adds to the fear and confusion and uncertainty for Dreamers and those who love and rely on them.
President Trump has said he wants ‘to do something about Dreamers.’ But if he believes in Dreamers’ futures in America, his administration is not following his wishes by targeting Dreamers. This new ruling only underscores that point.
All of it adds up to make a larger, urgent call for legislative action: deliver a path to citizenship for Dreamers and peace of mind for the communities, families, and workplaces who rely on them.”
About TheDream.US
TheDream.US is the nation’s leading organization supporting Dreamers at the intersection of higher education, workforce development, immigration, and advocacy. We’ve awarded over 12,000 scholarships to immigrant youth from 120+ countries and 45 states, with 4,500 graduates to date. We partner with close to 80 colleges in 19 states and Washington D.C. to provide scholarships, career support, and access to legal options that help Dreamers break through systemic barriers and achieve social mobility.
Through data, Scholar and Alumni stories, strategic partnerships, and targeted state and local advocacy, we work to expand equitable access to college, professional pathways, and permanent legal status. For more information on TheDream.US, visit www.thedream.us
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