Statements from NAE Executive Director Jeremy Robbins on Biden-Harris Immigration Executive Orders

Affirming Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and Calling for a Path to Citizenship for Dreamers

“New American Economy applauds today’s executive order affirming the Biden administration’s commitment to the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program and to calling for a path to citizenship for Dreamers,” said Jeremy Robbins, Executive Director of New American Economy. “Nearly half of those who are DACA-eligible are essential workers, including more than 62,000 in the field of healthcare alone. Dreamers are the nurses, teachers, and entrepreneurs helping us get through the COVID-19 pandemic, and it is time for the U.S. to uphold our side of the deal. We call on Congress to go a step further and enshrine protection for Dreamers into law.”

Reversing the Muslim Ban

“We celebrate the Biden administration’s decision to reverse the travel ban on individuals from predominantly Muslim countries,” said Jeremy Robbins, Executive Director of New American Economy. “Imposing a religious test on immigration is un-American, and it has not made us safer. Instead, it has kept families apart, barred promising international students, and placed barriers in the way of American companies seeking to grow and create jobs. We look forward to a new approach to immigration that reflects American values and strengthens our communities and economy.”

Halting Border Wall Construction

“NAE commends the Biden administration’s decision to halt border wall construction in favor of a smarter, more sensible way forward on border security,”  said Jeremy Robbins, Executive Director of New American Economy. “It is time for a new approach that will keep Americans safe and allow our ports of entry to meet the security, economic, and humanitarian demands placed on them each day.”

Repealing the Trump Administration’s Harsh Interior Enforcement

“NAE supports the decision by President Biden to repeal the Trump administration’s overzealous interior immigration enforcement,”  said Jeremy Robbins, Executive Director of New American Economy. “Immigration enforcement should focus on threats to public safety and national security, not separating parents from their children.”

Extending Deferred Enforced Departure for Liberians

“NAE applauds the Biden administration’s decision to extend Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) for Liberian nationals living in the U.S., many of whom have been here for more than a decade,” said Jeremy Robbins, Executive Director of New American Economy. “We look forward to working with the Biden-Harris administration to reform our immigration system and ensure that hardworking, long-time residents of the U.S. are able to stay and contribute to their communities.”