Two weeks ago, in one of his cruelest acts in office, the president terminated the DACA program, jeopardizing the futures of nearly 1 million immigrant youth across the country.
The majority of Americans believe that Congress should create a pathway to citizenship for DACA recipients. But instead of passing the Dream Act and restoring protections for immigrant youth so that they can continue to work, study, and live without fear of deportation, Congressional leaders are playing politics.
Photo Credit: United Methodist News Service, from TIRRC's September 5th March for DACA & the Dream Act in Nashville, Tennessee.
Senator Alexander, Senator Corker, and other members of Congress have suggested that protections for immigrant youth should only come in exchange for advancing Trump's anti-immigrant agenda, like more deportations, lowered legal migration, or a border wall. The futures of 8,300 Tennesseans shouldn't be used as political bargaining chips. We need Congress to pass a clean, stand-alone Dream Act.
Will you take 30 seconds to send a message to your members of Congress and urge them to support a clean Dream Act now?
We're building a powerful movement, led by DACA recipients, to pass a clean Dream Act and to fight for protections for all immigrant families. And we need you. Please consider making a donation today to support our work.
VIGIL FOR A CLEAN DREAM ACT IN KNOXVILLE:
Join DACA recipients and their allies in Knoxville for a vigil outside of the offices of Senator Alexander, Senator Corker, and Congressman Duncan this Friday. RSVP and spread the word on Facebook.
DACA RENEWALS:
The October 5th deadline for DACA renewals is fast approaching. If you or someone you know needs to renew, please call 615-414-1030 to get started on your renewal process. Find a list of scheduled workshops on our website. Only those whose DACA expires on or before March 5th, 2018 are eligible to renew. Scholarships available! Don't let the $495.00 application fee prevent you from renewing, TIRRC and other organizations have scholarships available. Call us at 615.414.1030 for more information.
IN THE NEWS:
The New Yorker: Why did Tennessee's Republican Attorney General Have a Last-Minute Conversion on DACA?
The Tennessean: Tennessee Immigrants React with Tears and Resolve as Trump Moves to End DACA
Nashville Public Radio: DACA Students and Families Gather at Glencliff to Ask 'What's Next?'