July 12, 2025

Celebrating 13 Years of DACA: A Big Win for Texas!

News Summary

Texas celebrates 13 years of DACA, highlighting the significant contributions of over 89,000 DACA recipients to the state’s economy and workforce. These individuals are helping to mitigate labor shortages and are integral to various sectors, from healthcare to education. Despite the ongoing legal challenges surrounding DACA, the need for immigration reform remains pressing as Texas looks to secure its future with a stable workforce. The positive impact of DACA recipients is evident in the economy, as they contribute billions through taxes and consumer spending.

Texas recently marked the 13th anniversary of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) policy, which has proven to be essential for the state’s economy and workforce. With over 89,000 DACA recipients residing in Texas, the program has had a significant impact, particularly in addressing labor shortages and contributing to community growth.

The Texas Association of Business, under the leadership of Glenn Hamer, has acknowledged the valuable contributions of DACA recipients, who are integral to many professional sectors such as education, engineering, healthcare, and entrepreneurship. These individuals help to fill critical job openings, thus supporting local economies and ensuring that various industries can meet their workforce demands.

Since the inception of DACA in 2013, recipients in Texas have contributed over $16 billion to the state’s economy through taxes and other expenditures. This substantial economic input has been beneficial in keeping prices low for American families, suggesting that continued immigration reform could lead to increased costs if worker shortages occur. In response to a reduction in border crossings, there appears to be a renewed opportunity for Congress to consider comprehensive immigration reform, with an aim to stabilize the workforce.

DACA recipients are required to complete thorough background checks and must regularly renew their status to remain in the program. Despite the positive contributions these individuals make, they currently face uncertainty regarding their legal status. A recent ruling from a panel of the Fifth Circuit Court has limited the scope of DACA primarily to Texas but has allowed current recipients to continue renewing their status. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton perceives this ruling as a victory for the state in its efforts to combat illegal immigration.

The contributions of DACA recipients are further showcased through personal stories of individuals like Marco Cruz-Linares and Kenia Cueva. These Dreamers share experiences of growing up in the U.S. and express a desire to enhance society through their skills and education. Their stories underscore the human element of the broader immigration debate, emphasizing the aspirations and potential of young individuals striving to build their futures in Texas.

In legislative efforts, Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia is championing the Dream and Promise Act, which seeks to offer permanent legalization to DACA recipients. This act aims to provide a pathway for these individuals to gain stability and contribute more effectively to the economy. The push for such comprehensive immigration reform is increasingly urgent, as Texas faces a surplus of job opportunities alongside a shortage of available workforce.

In conclusion, the 13th anniversary of DACA illustrates not just the policy’s relevance but also the ongoing necessity for reforms that support its recipients. The economic benefits derived from DACA recipients, including their role in bridging labor shortages and injecting substantial funds into the local economy, highlight the critical need for political action to secure a stable and thriving workforce for Texas businesses. As immigrant contributions continue to shape the state’s economy, addressing the legal status and future of DACA recipients will be pivotal in sustaining Texas’s growth and prosperity.

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Author: STAFF HERE GEORGETOWN

GEORGETOWN STAFF WRITER The GEORGETOWN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREgeorgetown.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Georgetown, Williamson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Red Poppy Festival, Georgetown Swirl, and Christmas Stroll. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Georgetown Association, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and tourism that power the local economy such as local wineries and historic downtown shops. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.