Immigration Blog

Ruth Lozano McChesney (a.k.a. Adela Elvia Ruth McChesney), long time CEO and managing partner of DMCA, and now Of Counsel, entered her appearance as Counsel of Record for the Government of the United Mexican States (Mexico) with the U.S. Supreme Court and filed with partner Faye Magdalena Kolly an Amicus Curiae brief on behalf of Mexico and in support of DACA on October 3, 2019.

Ruth reflects, “It’s a true honor and privilege to represent my country of birth, Mexico, before the U.S. Supreme Court in support of DACA. As a U.S. citizen, I value the many benefits a multicultural and diverse population brings to our country. Like other groups of immigrants, DACA recipients significantly impact our communities and our economy.”

It is estimated that DACA recipients pay $5.7 billion in federal taxes and $3.1 billion in state and local taxes annually. They also contribute to Social Security and Medicare. In fact, it is estimated that Social Security and Medicare would be reduced by $39.3 billion over a ten-year period if DACA were eliminated. Additionally, it would result in an estimated loss of $60.3 billion from the national Gross Domestic Product of the U.S. over the next decade.

DACA beneficiaries pay state and local taxes, purchase homes, cars, and are employed in successful businesses. Many are entrepreneurs employing U.S. citizens. They are students, educators (there are an estimated 20,000 DACA teachers – a shortage occupation), engineers, accountants, psychologists – the list is endless. They are also parents of U.S. citizen children and integral members of their communities.

Faye states, “The ability to utilize our training as attorneys to defend and recognize the contributions of DACA recipients was a humbling. Being able to reflect on my own privilege as a U.S. citizen, I was reminded of the many positive contributions that immigrants like my mother who is from Mexico have made to the United States. The contributions of DACA recipients should be recognized a source of strength and pride which merits continuation of the program.”

The U.S. is a great country of freedom and protections guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution. It’s commitment to these protections is further reflected by the ratification of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, of which Mexico is also a signatory along with a total of 150 countries. It is the continued commitment of DMCA to protect the rights and freedoms of immigrants in the U.S.