via CNN
In light of the New Presidential Administration, many residents of America have had to face the fear of being removed from the country they call home. The Trump Administration has made a move to call for the removal of the 800,000 young undocumented immigrants accepted by the United States under the Obama Administration’s DACA. This protective program, the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, provides amnesty for "Dreamers," those who have come to the U.S. illegally as minor.
On June 15, 2012, Former President Barack Obama granted safety for hundreds of thousands of young ones and now the lives they know are being threatened. In April, President Trump told the Associated Press that Dreamers could “rest easy.” Less than six months later, Trump has made the move to dismantle the program, leaving six months to Congress to mark the final decision of the fate of Dreamers. President Trump is urging Congress to replace the program with legislation before it begins phasing out in the Spring. This legislation would protect these young immigrants with a caveat that intensifies border control, protects American jobs, and enhance enforcement.
This program acted as administrative relief from deportation but also granted young ones work permits, giving them the chance at assimilating and flourishing in America. Today (September 5, 2017) the program has closed its application department. There were requirements for applying to DACA:
* You were under 31 years old as of June 15, 2012;
* You first came to the United States before your 16th birthday;
* You have lived continuously in the United States from June 15, 2007 until the present;
* You were physically present in the United States on June 15, 2012 and at the time you apply;
* You came to the United States without documents before June 15, 2012, or your lawful status expired as of June 15, 2012;
* You are currently studying, or you graduated from high school or earned a certificate of completion of high school or GED, or have been honorably discharged from the Coast Guard or military (technical and trade school completion also qualifies); and
* You have NOT been convicted of a felony, certain significant misdemeanors (including a single DUI), or three or more misdemeanors of any kind. Consult with an attorney about ANY contact you have had with law enforcement or immigration authorities.
In a written statement, Trump said “I do not favor punishing children, most of whom are now adults, for the actions of their parents, but we must also recognize that we are a nation of opportunity because we are a nation of laws.” With that, almost a million lives could be in complete disruption due to this "personal dilemma" as Trump referred to it. While there are no immediate actions with this "wind down" and "phase out," many immigrants will have a heavy weight on their shoulders until March 5, 2018. This all seems to be prompted by the requests of 10 state attorneys earlier this summer, asking the President to end DACA with a September 5 ultimatum, offering to handle this matter in court if no action was taken.
President Trump shared that he has in mind, “what is fair to American families, students, taxpayers, and job seeker” before we consider “what is fair to illegal immigrants.” Many, including Former President Obama do not feel that this is a productive use of efforts and time for the future of our country. There is no announced alternative plan of action in case Congress does not respond by the President's deadline.
It is only known that the responsibility and fate of Dreamers is now in the hands of lawmakers who should, as Trump urges, "resolve the DACA issue with heart and compassion – but through the lawful democratic process – while at the same time ensuring that any immigration reform we adopt provides enduring benefits for the American citizens we were elected to serve. We must also have heart and compassion for unemployed, struggling, and forgotten Americans.”
Via deathrattlesports.com
Officials won't accept new applications to the program, but for current DACA recipients, protections remain in effect -- for now.
According to officials:
• Work permits issued under DACA will be honored until they expire
• New applications received by Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2017, will be processed.
• Anyone whose status is set to expire by March 5, 2018, has one month to apply for a new two-year permit and those renewal applications will be processed.
Many Americans, DACA recipients, and their families have and plan to enter the streets across the country in protest of this news. To them, this means the dismantling of their lives, their work, and their families; families who brought them here for a better life than what they were going to have in their home country.
From California to Washington D.C. organizers are leading passionate rallies to express themselves and hopefully persuade Congress to take action in their favor. Demonstrators were swift to march to the Trump Tower in Manhattan, bringing their signs and chants “undocumented, unafraid.” Many have been arrested for blocking traffic but that won't stop supporters as they digest this information and look for solutions.
While many rally summaries may be found online, there is still time to attend an event in the Los Angeles area.
**UCLA Rally**
Bruin Plaza, 325 Westwood Plaza, Westwood at 4 p.m.
BAMN, the Coalition to Defend Affirmative Action, Integration, and Immigrant Rights and Fight for Equality By Any Means Necessary
**National DACA Mobilization Day Rally**
Placita Olvera, 845 N Alameda Street at 5 p.m.
UndocuMedia, CHIRLA and the CA Dream Network
**DACA Healing Circle (for DACA recipients only)**
CHIRLA, 2533 W. Third Street, Westlake at 7 p.m.
CHIRLA will be holding a safe space for DACA recipients at their L.A. offices to "lift up the spirits of individuals who have been affected by the decisions and treatment towards immigrant communities by this administration, provide an immediate safe space for those seeking companionship amongst those directly affected and encourage individuals to take part in support activities, conversations, and testimonies."
This event is only open to DACA recipients and will run from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
**Defend DACA Rally**
655 W Rialto Avenue, San Bernardino at 5:30 p.m.
Outside of the Department of Homeland Security building to 7:30 p.m.
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Written by Alexandria Johnson
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