The National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO) Educational Fund released a statement from CEO Arturo Vargas on the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to prevent the Trump Administration from ending the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program before following adequate administrative procedures:

"With the Trump Administration's original decision to end the DACA program benefiting no one in this country, the Supreme Court's decision today has created momentum for Congress to act on immigration reform both for the Dreamers and immigrants across America. As DACA provides a mechanism for immigrants who are as American as anyone else to continue to thrive in the country they call home, its current preservation amid the controversy that still surrounds the program and its origins only amplifies the legislative responsibility of Congress to step in on this issue and pass reform.

"Dreamers should be able to live without the anxieties of uncertainty over a program that promised them a viable pathway to continue living their lives in this country. It is also important to note that as lawmakers have long fought over this program, 85 percent of the American people support allowing childhood arrivals to stay in the country, painting a clear picture of Americans' moral clarity on the issue.

"As this decision rules that the Administration’s actions were ‘arbitrary and capricious’ and did not follow proper procedure before attempting to make such momentous decisions that affect people's lives, it remains paramount that Congress finally pass comprehensive immigration reform. We are long overdue for a pathway to citizenship for Dreamers and millions of other immigrants, allowing folks to become lawful permanent residents and finally, U.S. citizens. This reform should prioritize uniting families, increasing public safety, reducing immigration backlogs, providing labor and civil rights protections, civic integration, and an effective and humane way of enforcing immigration laws. Immigrants are taxpayers, our neighbors, colleagues, friends, and family. As a nation founded by immigrants, it is paramount that America stays true to our promise to the world and the principles of our founding.

“NALEO Educational Fund stands ready to work on the issue of comprehensive immigration reform alongside our partners, allies in government, and the thousands of Latino elected and appointed officials currently serving in public office throughout the country.”