I’ve lived in Tennessee for twenty years. I grew up and went to school in Rutherford County. That’s where I met my wife, where we bought our first home, and where we are raising our one-year old daughter. Tennessee is home. 

Growing up undocumented meant that my life and future here were always uncertain. But since I became a DACA recipient in 2013, everything’s changed. I’m one of the more than 8000 undocumented youth in Tennessee who have DACA and can now work and drive lawfully, more fully participate and contribute to my community, and imagine a better future for myself.

Because of the callous actions of the Tennessee Attorney General and 9 other extremist AGs, the DACA program is under immediate threat and my family’s future is at risk.

Recognizing the very real danger that the DACA program is in, a bi-partisan group of Senators filed a new version of the Dream Act on Thursday, which would provide more permanent protection and a pathway to citizenship for many undocumented youth. We’ll fight for the Dream Act, but we need to protect DACA, too.

Throughout August we need to mobilize a massive movement of DACA recipients and the thousands of our teachers, employers, friends, and neighbors that support us. Over the next month, we’ll be sharing tools and resources for you to help us build and show support for DACA and invite you to join us and take actions at key moments.

Here are three things we need you to do right now: 

  1. Send a message to members of Congress and Attorney General Slatery (it takes 30 seconds!).
  2. Make a donation to help us raise $10,000 to fuel our campaign to #DefendDACA. 
  3. Join us in Nashville for our first action on August 3rd. Don't live in Nashville? Don't worry! We will be organizing actions in cities across the state on August 9th - save the date! 

Tennessee is home and I'm here to stay. Will you stand with me? 

Cesar Bautista, TIRRC Youth Organizer

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