AUSTIN, Texas — The following is a statement from Jolt Action and Jolt Initiative Executive Director Dr. Gloria Gonzales-Dholakia on Judge Andrew Hanen’s ruling that the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program is illegal, barring the current administration from granting new applications.
“We are deeply disappointed in the recent ruling by a Texas federal judge striking down the DACA program and blocking new applicants.
“In its nine years of existence, the DACA program has helped reshape hundreds of thousands of lives for young Latinos and immigrants from all over the world. This nation was founded and built by immigrants. We at Jolt will continue to voice our support for DACA and a permanent pathway to citizenship for all who choose to come to America. It is well past time to put a stop to the xenophobic policing of immigration in this country.
“Today, we are encouraging President Joe Biden and the U.S. Congress to support DACA and to ensure that a permanent pathway to citizenship remains a key piece of the reconciliation package before the August recess.”
Jolt Action is a 501c4 Latino civic engagement organization focused on building the political power and influence of young Latinos in Texas. Jolt Action is focused on community organizing, leadership development, voter engagement, and multi-issue advocacy. Jolt’s high school and university chapters across the state mobilize around issues such as student debt, racial and immigrant justice, healthcare reform, and climate change.
Jolt Initiative is a 501c3 non-profit organization that increases the civic participation of Latinos to build a stronger democracy and ensure that everyone’s voice is heard. Jolt knows that our democracy works best when everyone gets a seat at the table. That’s why Jolt builds the leadership capacity of millennial Latinos to increase their civic participation and mobilize their peers to action.