Houston leaders mark DACA’s 12th anniversary, urge Congress to expand work authorization for dreamers and spouses

HOUSTON — Business, health and community leaders gathered at a Houston event to mark the 12th anniversary of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals and to press federal officials to expand work authorization and create paths to legal status for dreamers and for spouses of U.S. citizens.

Emiliano Valencia, who identified himself as Texas Deputy Director for the American Business Immigration Coalition (ABIC), opened the program by saying the anniversary is both "a celebration of DACA's impact" and "a call to action to the administration and to Congress to work together to further expand work authorization and create [a] path to legal status for dreamers, the spouse of U.S. citizens, and to those who were not benefited from last week's announcement." Valencia called for reforms that would allow recipients to "contribute to the economy" and keep families together.

Why it matters: Speakers said easing work-authorization barriers would address local labor shortages in construction, health care and emergency services while reuniting families. The event combined personal testimony, business appeals and policy arguments aimed at federal lawmakers who control immigration law.

Several speakers described personal and family impacts. Yolanda Batts, a University of Houston student who said she was eligible for DACA at 15 but was unable to apply because of court rulings, described losing access to financial aid and being unable to attend the University of Texas College of Nursing despite acceptance. "If DACA were to reopen or if I were to obtain a work permit, I would gladly do that," Batts said, and added that she had passed the NCLEX but still could not find employment because of immigration-related barriers.

Jorge Avila, representing American Families United and introduced as the spouse of a U.S. citizen, recounted his wife's denied green-card interview in Ciudad Juárez and said the separation had placed "tremendous mental, spiritual, financial challenges" on his family. Avila urged President Biden and Congress to "expand work authorizations for U.S. citizen spouses like my wife, Daniela."

Business leaders framed the issue around workforce needs. Stan Merrick, introduced as CEO of Merrick Brothers of Companies, said employers are struggling to hire and called for an "ID and tax" adult program as a practical reform. "We have 750,000 undocumented just in Houston," Merrick said, arguing local employers could fill labor gaps if more residents were authorized to work.

Health-sector speakers also pressed for action. Joby Martinez, chief diversity officer for Harris Health System, applauded a recent Biden administration action to expand work permits and said the move could allow an estimated 3,000,000 people nationally to work legally while pursuing citizenship. Martinez cited national labor figures during his remarks; portions of the numerical data in the transcript are unclear and are recorded here as stated by the speaker.

Jesus Contreras, introduced as a paramedic and a DACA recipient, described earning paramedic certification and responding to emergencies including Hurricane Harvey. "If you can give us a work permit, a driver's license ... you can see us flourish," Contreras said, urging permanent legislative solutions so DACA recipients can continue serving in front-line roles.

Local officials showed public support. Mayor John Widmeier thanked advocates and recognized former interns and staff who have become immigration lawyers and civic leaders, saying the city benefits from the talents of dreamers.

The event did not include any formal votes or actions by an elected body; speakers called on Congress and the administration to act. The program closed with a Spanish translation and a call to continue advocacy at the federal level.

What’s next: Organizers and speakers urged attendees to press federal lawmakers for legislative change; no local policy or binding commitment was announced at the event.