MADISON — The Catholic bishops of Wisconsin have issued the following statement in response to the Trump administration’s announced termination of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program six months from now:
“The bishops of Wisconsin affirm their support for the continued protection of youth under the federal Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. Most of the nearly 8,000 DACA Wisconsinites, who are among almost 800,000 DACA young adults nationwide, know no other home than the U.S., having been brought here in their youth through no choice of their own.
“The DACA program allows these individuals to seek employment and education without fear of being forced to leave their family and home. DACA young adults are students in our schools and universities, leaders in our parishes, veterans of our military, and participants in our economy.
“People of goodwill can disagree on whether it was prudent to institute the DACA policy. However, over the past five years, these young individuals have participated in the program and relied upon assurances provided by our nation’s government that they could live in security and would be treated with fairness.
“We urge members of Congress to find a legislative solution that protects DACA youth. We also urgently ask that Congress and President Donald Trump commit themselves to achieving permanent and comprehensive immigration reform.
“We affirm those of our lawmakers who have already expressed their desire to do so, and offer every encouragement to lawmakers of both parties to find a way forward in forging immigration policy that puts aside partisanship for the sake of the common good.
“To our DACA youth, we want you to know that we admire your courage, tenacity, and commitment. We are grateful for all that you do for your families, churches, communities, and for this nation. We join our voices with yours and accompany you in these difficult times.”
The statement is also available in both English and Spanish on the Wisconsin Catholic Conference website, www.wisconsincatholic.org