Gov. Jared Polis today urged the Acting Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security requesting automatic extensions of work authorizations for all Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients whose grants expire in 2020. 

“Coloradans face unprecedented challenges to their economic and social lives, and this extension would provide some needed stability to our businesses and residents who benefit from opportunities that DACA provides,” the Governor wrote to Acting Secretary Wolf. 

Since DACA was established in 2012, nearly 15,000 Dreamers living in Colorado have been able to continue their studies, work, and contribute to the country they call home.  

“About 15,000 DACA recipients call Colorado home, and many of them are employed in key industries and critical occupations, such as health care practitioners and support occupations, that help Colorado face our current challenges. Facing a global pandemic takes all Americans, and all Coloradans, and this includes those residents who currently are able to contribute to help us in our shared challenges because of their ability to apply their education and training to our workforce in these unprecedented times through the DACA program,” the letter continued.   

Governor Polis signed legislation ensuring DACA recipients could qualify for financial aid in Colorado and appointed the first DACA recipient to serve on a state board or commission. While serving in Congress, then-Congressman Polis was a cosponsor of the DREAM Act.