[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 113 (Thursday, June 18, 2020)]
[Senate]
[Page S3075]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
DACA
Mr. SCHUMER. Madam President, I cried tears of joy a few minutes ago
when I heard the decision of the Supreme Court on DACA. These wonderful
DACA kids and their families have a huge burden lifted off their
shoulders. They don't have to worry about being deported. They can do
their jobs, and I believe--I do believe this--someday, someday soon,
they will be American citizens.
I have met so many of these beautiful children and their families.
Now, many have grown up. They came to America as little kids, and all
they want to be is Americans. They worked hard. I met some of them
during the COVID crisis in New York risking their lives to deal with
the healthcare crisis we had. I have seen them enlist in the Armed
Forces and go to college, some of our best colleges and law schools,
and climb that American ladder that has been around for so many years
and some people want to rip away.
So this is a wonderful, wonderful day for the DACA kids, for their
families, and for the American Dream.
We have always believed in immigration in America. We have had some
dark forces oppose it in recent years, but we believe in it. It is part
of our soul. Every one of us cares about immigrants, and so many of us
are descendants of immigrants. Wow, what a decision.
Let me say this: In these very difficult times, the Supreme Court
provided a bright ray of sunshine this week with the decision on Monday
preventing discrimination in employment against the LGBTQ community and
now with this DACA decision. Frankly, to me, the Court's decision was
surprising but welcome. It gives you some faith that the laws and rules
and mores of this country can be upheld. Wow, the decision is amazing.
I am so happy for these kids and their families. I feel for them, and I
think all of America does. Again, I cannot--who would have thought the
Supreme Court would have so many good decisions in one week? Who would
have thought it? Wow.