Tina Smith on Immigration

Extend DACA before 800,000 Dreamers face deportation

"Dreamers are our friends, neighbors, and family members. Dreamers enrich our communities and help create opportunity for all of us, and we want them here," said Lt. Governor Smith. "The futures of thousands of Minnesotans hang in the balance. We urge Congress to protect Minnesota Dreamers from deportation from the only country many of them have ever known."

Since DACA was introduced, nearly 800,000 young people have been screened and approved, including nearly 6,300 individuals in Minnesota. A survey found that 95% of them were currently employed or enrolled in school. It is estimated that removing DACA eligible-workers from the state would cost Minnesota's economy an estimated $387 million a year.