Colorado Trust Statement on DACA Program

Media contact: Julian Kesner, The Colorado Trust, 303-539-3147

Statement from Colorado Trust President & CEO Ned Calonge, MD, MPH Regarding the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Program (DACA)

“More than 17,000 young people in Colorado have benefited from the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. The Colorado Trust is proud to have previously served as co-funder of a DACA enrollment project as part of the Immigrant Funders Collaborative.

“I am saddened and disheartened to hear that this program could soon come to an end. This policy change would tear apart the fabric of numerous Colorado communities. The stress and health impacts of the fear generated by this action on families in Colorado are unconscionable, and inconsistent with our state’s values and spirit.

“We must provide as much compassion and support as possible during what promises to be a remarkably difficult time in the lives of friends and neighbors, as well as in the history of our country. These young Coloradans contribute to our state’s prosperity and well-being, and we will be less without them.”