The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program celebrated its third anniversary of allowing undocumented immigrants receive a temporary but renewable, two-year stay in the U.S.

President Barack Obama created the DACA program on June 15, 2012, which directed the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to implement the deferred action program.

"Three years later and with an immigration system as flawed as ours, DACA represents a beacon of hope for America," Sen. Bob Menendez, D-N.J., said.

"It embodies a bold first step towards a fairer and just reality for immigrants in our great country. As an exemplary program for the integration of New Americans, DACA is a model of success shaped by the courageous individuals who fought for this program and have been able to come out of the shadows, register with the government, pass a background check, work hard and take full advantage of all the opportunities it provides."

According to the Center for American Progress (CAP), DACA -- both its 2012 and expanded 2014 guidelines -- and the Deferred Action for Parental Accountability (DAPA) programs would increased the U.S. economy, cumulatively, by $230 billion during the next 10 years. States such as Texas could see its GDP increase by $38.3 billion, while California's GDP increase is projected to $75.9 billion.

"Deferred action will produce significant and much-needed economic benefits for individual states. Our states and localities will do better when their residents are given a chance to realize their full potential and contribute even more to the state's growth," said Silva Mathema, CAP's policy analyst.

In Arizona, home to the sixth-largest number of potential DACA recipients, DREAMers are preparing to sign up. DACA recipient Mitzi Castro, member of the Arizona DREAM Act Coalition, said in a statement how fellow undocumented immigrants have led local and national organizations to "put a face" of this issue, and they will continue to work until every eligible undocumented immigrant applies for DACA.

According to White House Senior Advisor to the President for Immigration Policy Felicia Escobar, more than 650,000 immigrant youths have successfully applied for DACA.

"They are American in every way but on paper...we recognize that the young people who were able to emerge from the shadows are more than just numbers and statistics, they are aspiring Americans -- each with a unique story and contribution to this country," Escobar wrote.

"We need to build upon smart programs like DACA - not turn our backs on extending fair opportunities to those who are willing to work hard for them," Menendez continued with his statement.

"DACA is living proof that America benefits when an undocumented individual is allowed to fully contribute to the economy through their ingenuity, skills, and hard work. It is time for Republicans to drop their obstructionism and embrace this and all programs offering temporary relief to our nation's undocumented as we continue clearing the path towards comprehensive immigration reform."

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