Dreamers Deserve Dignity, Clear Pathway to Citizenship

Brian Dodge, president of the Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA), the trade association for America’s leading retailers, issued the following statement in response to President Biden’s Executive Order that immediately protects Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients:

“President Biden’s immediate attention to immigration reform is welcomed news for the 700,000 plus DACA beneficiaries who make significant positive impacts on the retail industry and to their respective communities.  The retail industry employs thousands of DACA program recipients, and these individuals deserve dignity, respect, and a clear legal pathway to citizenship. 

“Dreamers’ contributions are particularly evident as we fight COVID-19, as Dreamers are among those helping to keep stores open, stocked, and safe. These hardworking individuals are part of the social fabric of America and part of the retail family; they are our friends and neighbors. Today’s executive order gives these workers some hope that the program they depend upon to work legally in the country that is their home is preserved. RILA implores Congress and the Biden Administration to seek an immediate and long-term remedy to address the legal status of DACA participants.”

###

Tags

• DACA
• Investing in People
• Public Policy
• Retail Works for All of Us