Thread by @SenatorDurbin

6 years ago, the government began accepting the first applications for the #DACA program, changing the lives of 800,000 young immigrants who could now receive temporary protection from deportation, study, and legally work in the only country they have ever known. #ProtectDreamers

I was there when #Dreamers came to Navy Pier by the thousands to apply for #DACA. They just wanted the chance be a part of America’s future. nytimes.com/2012/08/16/us/…

Gloria was the 110th #Dreamer whose story I shared on the Senate floor. She’s a medical assistant and studying to be a clinical psychologist. Her story: facebook.com/SenatorDurbin/…

Alejandro is a #Dreamer who signed up for Teach For America and is now a teacher – one of 20,000 #DACA recipients who are teachers helping our students succeed. His story: facebook.com/SenatorDurbin/…

I’ve shared over 100 Dreamer stories on the Senate floor. Despite the contributions #Dreamers are making in our communities, Pres Trump heartlessly ended the #DACA program last year. He broke his promise to them & uses Dreamers as a bargaining chip for an anti-immigrant agenda.

Fortunately, federal court injunctions have temporarily allowed people who previously had DACA to renew their status. The Trump Administration should fully restore DACA instead of refusing to defend it in court.

#Dreamers: you can still renew your DACA application. For more information, visit: uscis.gov/humanitarian/d…. #RenewDACA #ProtectDreamers

Being stuck in legal limbo is no way to live. That’s why it remains imperative – as we mark the sixth anniversary of DACA – to continue fighting to give Dreamers a pathway to citizenship and pass the #DreamAct.

It’s up to Republicans who control Congress to have the courage to do what’s right for these young immigrants by working with Democrats to finally pass the #DreamAct #ProtectDreamers