National Fair Housing Alliance Response to DACA Termination

Statement from the National Fair Housing Alliance President and CEO Shanna L. Smith in response to President Donald Trump’s decision to terminate the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program:

“Donald Trump’s horrifying decision to terminate DACA represents one of the most destructive actions this president has taken to harm marginalized communities in this country. DACA has provided hope for nearly 1 million young undocumented immigrants whose dreams of a better and successful future reflect the spirit and hope that has defined the United States of America. Their contributions to the American workforce and their courage serves as a model to the rest of us. The fair housing movement stands by the side of Dreamers who will be imperiled by the decision to end DACA.

Dreamers, like everyone else in communities where residential segregation and discrimination have long kept Americans from taking positive steps forward on their life path, have inalienable rights.  The Fair Housing Act protects people from discrimination regardless of the status of their national origin, which may impact citizenship standards, and the Civil Rights Act of 1866 states that all people of the United States have an equal right to make and enforce contracts, including those to secure housing.  Fair housing advocates stand at the ready to protect the fair housing rights of ALL people in the United States and we urge Congress to take steps to pass legislation to protect Dreamers.”