On this day (March 5) when the President proclaimed DACA protections would end unless a Congressional decision was reached, dreamers remain insecure in the absence of a legislative solution—and protected only because the courts have held up the program’s elimination. Refugee and Immigration Ministries is urging Congress to finalize permanent protections by passing a clean Dream Act without excessive added enforcement that would harm their families. See this statement below from Rev. Terri Hord Owens:
“For many years, DACA recipients and immigrant youth of similar backgrounds have been our neighbors in nearly every community, our classmates in colleges and seminaries, and our friends in workplaces. They also are key leaders in our churches who have demonstrated bravery, faithfulness, and determination as they have contributed consistently to build up the strength of their families, neighborhoods, and congregations. Our relationships with these fine young people and their families help us to fulfill our call to welcome the sojourner and experience unity among the diverse tapestry of communities in our church and nation.
“I continue to mourn for the wound that was opened in the hearts of the more than three quarters of a million youth and their families when DACA was rescinded in September—and who continue to live in fear lacking a legislative solution now six months later. Our faith compels us to support the well-being and healing of those who offer their gifts generously to our nation. We therefore continue to urge immediate passage of The Dream Act of 2017 by Congress, which would offer stability to the lives of immigrant leaders. Such a solution must not be offered as a “trade off” for excessive enforcement that would have perilous consequences for immigrant parents, border communities, and all of us who love them. We are committed to continuing work for compassionate immigration reforms that can support family unity, offer a stable future to hardworking immigrants, and enable them to fully utilize their God-granted gifts without fears of deportation.”
