From the Interfaith Immigration Coalition (http://www.interfaithimmigration.org):
Right now, the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program is under an immediate, existential threat. Ten attorneys general have threatened to sue President Trump if he doesn’t terminate the DACA program by September 5th. We’re concerned that Trump could end the program before then, turning our nation’s back on immigrant youth who are valued members of our communities. We need our U.S. Representatives and Senators to hear that we support our immigrant neighbors and vow to protect DACA!
Tell Congress to Stand with Immigrant Youth
Call (202) 224-3121 today!
NOTE: You can also reach out to our Senators and your Representative directly–find their contact information in the following locations:
- Senator Robert Casey: http://casey.senate.gov
- Senator Pat Toomey: http://toomey.senate.gov
- Your Representative: http://www.house.gov
Sample Script: “I’m your constituent from [City, State]. I stand in solidarity with undocumented youth, support the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, and strongly oppose any attempt to end it. DACA has provided the opportunity for nearly 800,000 young people to pursue their dreams. The fact that the administration is considering ending DACA is morally reprehensible, runs counter to who we are as a nation, and does not reflect the welcome for immigrants I see every day in my community. I urge you to do everything in your power to urge the administration to keep the DACA program intact. I also invite you to support the Dream Act of 2017 (S.1615 / H.R.3440) and work toward larger legislative reform of our immigration system in a humane and common-sense manner.”
Here are some additional actions you can take:
August 15th Day of Action!
On the 5th anniversary of DACA, many groups including United We DREAM (UWD) and CASA are leading a rally and march on Tuesday, August 15th around the White House at 11:30 AM ET followed by a prophetic direct action at 2 PM. But actions are taking place all across the country! To find an action near you or to register your own event, please visit: http://defenddaca.com/.
24-Hour, 22-Day Vigil in Front of the White House
There will be a prolonged action in front of the White House from August 15th to September 5th with faith leaders, dreamers, and other partners. On August 15th, we will begin a 24-hour presence at the White House in Washington, DC to save the DACA program, beginning at 5:30 PM ET led by organizations such as the Franciscan Action Network, NAKASEC, the Han Center, and many more who are working in partnership with United We DREAM, CASA, and other immigrants’ rights organizations.
The 24-hour presence in front of the White House will be at the southwest quadrant on the Ellipse near the White House and go until September 5th. There are many ways to take part, including leading prayers, providing music, scripture, and testimonies, and bringing snacks and dinner to those who will be camped out. Check out the sign up sheet, which can be found here, to learn how you can help!
Spread the word!
Write an opinion editorial for your local media outlet about why the DACA program and the immigrant community are important to you. And sign a national petition, local petitions, and this petition targeting Governors in support of DACA.
For more resources, please click here to download a DACA Faith Toolkit with state-specific action alerts, a sample opinion editorial, and a sample invite letter to your state officials. For more resources, click here for sample social media posts and here for talking points.
We must live up to our nation’s proclaimed values of hospitality and opportunity for those seeking a better life.
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