From Michael Hopkins, CEO, Jewish Family Service of San Diego

Today’s ruling is a momentous win. Jewish Family Service of San Diego (JFS) celebrates the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling that the federal administration’s rescission of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program is unlawful, and therefore, first-time DACA applications, DACA renewal applications and advance parole will all be available again. JFS strongly encourages any hopeful DACA or advance parole applicants to immediately seek an individualized consultation with a reputable trusted legal services agency or immigration attorney. We discourage anyone from filing an application without a qualified representative or attorney.

United, JFS stands with the nation’s over 700,000 DACA recipients – hardworking Americans who are our colleagues, friends, loved ones and neighbors. All Dreamers are integral members of society, never clearer than today as one-third serve as frontline workers in America’s response to the COVID-19 health crisis.

We also strongly urge Congress to immediately propose and approve progressive, inclusive legislation that offers even stronger protections to safeguard Dreamers – who know no home other than the U.S. – because while the result from the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision today is a good one, it does not protect the DACA program as a whole. The program remains under threat of cancellation from this administration at a later date; thus, concrete positive action is needed by Congress to protect Dreamers once and for all.

Since the inception of DACA in June 2012, Jewish Family Service has assisted over 700 individuals with more than 1,000 DACA applications and renewals before U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). DACA recipients voluntarily share their personal information with the federal government; pay fees, state and local taxes; and have passed stringent background checks. With an estimated 40,000 DACA-eligible individuals living locally, San Diego County greatly benefits from DACA’s continuation.

We have seen firsthand how Dreamers build a stronger, healthier, more resilient San Diego.

To receive DACA assistance, visit www.jfssd.org/DACA.