LINCOLN, Neb. – Yesterday Nebraska joined six other states in filing a lawsuit against the federal government to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.
The following is a statement from ACLU of Nebraska Executive Director Danielle Conrad in reaction to Nebraska's participation in the lawsuit to end DACA:
"The Trump administration manufactured the current DACA crisis in response to misguided and mean-spirited actions led by a small set of hardline anti-immigrant leaders, including Nebraska Attorney General Doug Peterson. Thankfully, brave Dreamers continue to fight. And thankfully, our nation's courts have held back these cruel attempts to terrorize Dreamers’ families and immigrant communities.
“Attorney General Doug Peterson has now raised the stakes as one of only seven states suing to declare DACA 'unlawful' and seeking to end further work permits under the DACA program. This shameful action is not representative of Nebraska. Our state has continually demonstrated that we appreciate the important contributions of over 3,300 Nebraska Dreamers through multiple successful legislative bills and resolutions, because these young immigrants enrich our state in innumerable ways. They are our doctors, soldiers, teacher, and students—our neighbors, family and friends.
"To Nebraska Dreamers: We see you and we stand with you with our full and continued support. Years of courage, sacrifice and organizing led by DACA youth and supported by Nebraska business, agriculture and faith leaders established the DACA program. Nothing will deter us and our allies from continuing to fight.
"The time is now for true leadership and for Congress to pass a clean Dream Act to end these shenanigans and ensure a permanent resolution. We urge Sen. Ben Sasse and Sen. Deb Fischer to provide the leadership so desperately needed on this issue.”
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For over 50 years in Nebraska, the ACLU has worked in courts, legislatures, and communities to protect the constitutional and individual rights of all people. With a nationwide network of offices and millions of members and supporters, we take up the toughest civil liberties fights. Beyond one person, party, or side — we the people dare to create a more perfect union. Learn more at aclunebraska.org.
