DACA saviors?

Hope in Congress

Regarding “Texas AG sues to shut down DACA” (Page A13, Wednesday), it is now or never: DACA is the last line of defense. For DACA recipients, other immigration routes to permanent residency or even the holy grail of U.S. citizenship are next to impossible. Legally, even if after deportation they manage to apply for U.S. legal status, their unlawful presence will surely be a roadblock. That is why it is now or never for not only these Dreamers hoping to obtain permanent legal status but also for Congress.

The article notes that conservative lawmakers across the country have threatened legal action for the past year and now have reached a boiling point with decades of false promises and idleness from federal lawmakers on immigration reform. In front of a judge with a history of anti-immigration judgments, a victory is almost certain for these seven states.

So when they do win, these states will not only deport millions of people but will prevent them from ever coming back to the only country they have ever known their entire life. They will be permanently “exiled” to a country they know nothing about.

It was not their fault they were put in such a position, and yet they are the ones paying the ultimate price.

This would spell the beginning of the end. That is, unless Congress can step up to the plate. Historically, Congress has passed laws in the waning minutes of a crisis and this time is no different. Congress will act. It must act. Legislation, not the courtroom, is the only true, lasting hope for the sake of 3.6 million people, who are just as American as you and me. But if Congress fails, can we honestly tell the rest of the world: “give me your tired, your poor”? Nimroz Ali, immigration

attorney, Austin