The Progressive

NewsWire

A project of Common Dreams

For Immediate Release
Contact:

Adam Luna, adam@unitedwedream.org, Bruna Bouhid, bruna@unitedwedream.org, Sheridan Aguirre, sheridan@unitedwedream.org

Trump Fulfills White Supremacist Agenda With Decision to End DACA

Congress Must Pass Clean Legislation to Protect Immigrant Youth NOW with No Racist Gimmicks. Congress Could Do this Tomorrow. We are #HereToStay.

WASHINGTON

Today, Trump announced he has decided to terminate the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program in a scheme announced by Attorney General Jeff Sessions.

Cristina Jimenez, Executive Director of United We Dream said in response:

"We are outraged by Trump's decision to end DACA.

"With this move, Trump is fulfilling a sick white supremacist scheme to terrorize young people of color. But make no mistake - we will not be pushed into the shadows by these racist politicians. This is our home and we are here to stay.

"House Speaker Paul Ryan looked my friend Angelica Villalobos - a DACA beneficiary and mother of four - in the eye and said she would be safe but did nothing. Republicans have consistently attacked immigrant youth and now they must ensure that immigrant youth are safe.

"Congress must pass legislation to protect immigrant youth without any racist gimmicks! We reject the idea that immigrants must endure more pain so that any group of immigrants can get common sense relief.

"Trump's plan today is cruel. Only a serial abuser would rationalize delayed violence as acting with a "big heart." Ending DACA means mass deportation - period.

"With his first major policy test after Charlottesville, Trump has sided with the white supremacists.

"For 800,000 immigrant youth - including my younger brother - DACA is a pathway towards achieving dreams. With DACA, immigrant youth have gone to college, supported their families with good jobs and have strengthened their communities and the entire country.

"Unlike Trump, immigrant youth are standing up today and saying in no uncertain terms that this is our home and we are here to stay. We will not be pushed into the shadows. Immigrant youth are more than papers and this is our country no matter what some racist politicians say.

"United We Dream vows to continue fighting and mobilizing for justice so that all immigrants and people of color can safely pursue life, liberty, and happiness.

United We Dream is the largest immigrant youth-led community in the country. We create welcoming spaces for young people - regardless of immigration status - to support, engage, and empower them to make their voice heard and win!