Yesterday’s announcement from President Trump putting an end to the DACA program reminds us why we are Californians Together. It reminds us not just in California, but across the country, why we stand together, why we work together and why we make progress together.
We at Californians Together have heard from teachers and parents about the stress, fears and tension our students are experiencing. For many of our families DACA young adults are models for their younger siblings and have brought some stability to their family.
Today, we wanted to start by sharing some of the words that we have heard from others, reminding us of what is at stake and why we must stand together – as some have pointed out, on the right side of history.
Former President Obama reminds us that “This is about basic decency. This is about whether we are a people who kick hopeful young strivers out of America, or whether we treat them the way we’d want our own kids to be treated. It’s about who we are as a people – and who we want to be.“
California Senator Kamala Harris spoke strongly yesterday – “We’ve got to stop playing politics with these kids!” She reminded us: “Let’s be clear about the dynamic in which we are discussing this. I’ve met with senior members of this administration, who, when asked, had to confess they’d never met a Dreamer. How can you form such strong opinions about people you’ve never met, people you don’t know, and then allow this population to be villified. It’s not only wrong, it’s irresponsible.“
IT’S TIME TO ACT!
So many organizations are standing together urging Congress to act. Here are three important bills that will need our support. Please take a few minutes to call or write your representatives in Congress or Senators Dianne Feinstein (www.feinstein.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/e-mail-me or (202) 224-3841) or Senator Kamala Harris (ww.harris.senate.gov/content/contact-senator or (202) 224-3553).
- The DREAM Act, to provide a path to citizenship for young immigrants who have graduated from high school, are pursuing higher education, or serving in the military. You can use these talking points.
- The BRIDGE Act, would provide employment authorization and protection from deportation for individuals who currently hold and are eligible for DACA. You can use these talking points.
- The American Hope Act would provide DACA students as well as other eligible young undocumented immigrants who were brought to America as children, with a permanent, legislative solution that allows them to stay legally in the United States. You can find talking points here.
IMPORTANT RESOURCES
Make sure DACA students and their families are well informed in these difficult times. Here are resources that we recommend:
- United We Dream has launched a new site focused on DACA at We Are Here To Stay
- What Do I Need to Know About the End of DACA (ILRC Community Advisor)
- Here is a great letter to the community from Oakland USD Superintendent