Rep. Gabe Vasquez Marks 14th Anniversary of DACA, Reaffirms Commitment to Protecting Dreamers

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) marked the 14th anniversary of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program by reaffirming his commitment to protecting Dreamers and pushing for a permanent pathway to citizenship.

"New Mexico is home to more than 4,000 DACA recipients who contribute millions in state and local taxes, support local businesses, and help power our state's workforce. These folks are our neighbors, coworkers, business owners, and community leaders," said Vasquez. "Most came to the United States through no choice of their own, and for 14 years they have worked hard, played by the rules, and contributed to the communities they call home. They deserve certainty and a pathway to citizenship - not fear, legal limbo, forced lapses in work authorizations and healthcare coverage, and the threat of deportation."

Last month, Vasquez pressed U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to address growing delays in DACA renewal processing. DACA renewal wait times have increased nearly 400 percent since 2025, leaving recipients who filed on time and followed all requirements at risk of losing work authorization and other protections.

"My office has seen a surge in requests from DACA recipients who did everything right but are now facing uncertainty because of government processing delays," Vasquez said. "USCIS must act immediately to reduce these backlogs and ensure families aren't punished for the Administration's bureaucratic failures."

As legal protections for Dreamers face growing challenges, Vasquez has also continued to advocate for DACA recipients in Congress. He is a cosponsor of the American Dream and Promise Act, legislation that would provide Dreamers with a pathway to citizenship, and he recently joined a bicameral effort urging the Department of Justice to preserve protections for DACA recipients in immigration proceedings.

Vasquez pledges to continue fighting for commonsense immigration reforms that strengthen the economy, support American families, and provide Dreamers with the certainty they deserve.

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