Look for Leadership to Offer #TPSJustice & Pass Path to Citizenship on DACA’s 11th Anniversary
Hyattsville, MD – On the 11th anniversary of DACA, Governor Wes Moore gathered with immigrant families at the immigrant and working family powerhouse organization CASA’s multicultural center, in the heart of Prince George’s County, to celebrate the contribution of immigrant Marylanders. Highlighting the need for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and Temporary Protected Status (TPS), and ultimately a path to citizenship for all, Governor Moore met with TPS holders, DACA recipients, and community members who would benefit from a TPS redesignation. Following the TPS extension announcement on Tuesday, people from all over Maryland continue to demand redesignation of TPS for Nepal, Honduras, El Salvador, and Nicaragua and an initial designation for Guatemala.
“If we want to call ourselves patriotic Americans, we need to stand by the founding ideals of our nation — and that means being there for people all over the world who are looking for refuge,” said Governor Moore. “I am proud to stand with CASA in its push for expanding Temporary Protection Status (TPS), and making sure those with TPS or DACA status have access to the support they need – from health care to affordable housing.”
Ashley Rosales is a 12-year-old who met with White House officials on Tuesday to advocate for TPS for her mom Maria Lara and others like her: “I have some goals that I’d like to accomplish. I want to be a police officer or a doctor. When I see news of families that have been deported back to their countries, I get really worried. I don’t want to be separated from my parents. They love and support me a lot. I feel their love. I feel protected. Without them I wouldn’t be able to accomplish my goals because I wouldn’t have their support. That’s why I told my President to remember me, to think of me and so many other children who are in the same situation – and that this year he deliver some good news to families about TPS, so that there aren’t any more deportations and that we kids stay with our families.”
Ashley and other youth gifted a handmade friendship bracelet with the words “solidaridad,” as a special token to remember the importance of protecting the immigrant community to Governor Wes Moore. Ashley also delivered one to White House officials destined for President Biden on Tuesday.
Around the room were Maryland families who rely on and fight for continued statuses like these: Isabel Arita from Honduras risked everything to escape the gangs and violence in her home country to arrive in the US. While meeting with White House officials, she shared how Maryland is now home to her and her four young children.
“I have lived through horrors – nearly losing my foot on the dreaded train la Bestia – to find safe haven in Maryland,” said Isabel. “I’ve been treated like I am nothing because of my immigration status. Insulted because I don’t speak English. Had my hard-earned wages stolen from me. And suffered domestic violence, which is so difficult to fight when you are living in the shadows. Worse yet is knowing that I am unable to offer the medical care that they need – especially my 7-year-old daughter who awaits serious surgery. TPS offers more freedom, more protection, more peace of mind. President Biden, redesignate TPS now.”
“The same courage that immigrants exhibit every day is what we look for from our elected officials,” closed George Escobar, CASA Chief of Programs and Services. “We are grateful for Governor Wes Moore’s solidarity with the immigrant community as we remember the 11th anniversary of DACA and as we demand TPS justice.. Our ultimate goal, our true north star, is citizenship for millions across the country who have offered their blood, sweat, and tears to this country.”
Since former President Trump terminated TPS for over 95% of TPS holders, the National TPS Alliance along with plaintiffs of Ramos v. Mayorkas have been strong advocates keeping TPS alive and fighting for a pathway to citizenship.
“Have hope and keep fighting because that is the only way we win relief,” commented Elsy, an original plaintiff in the Ramos case.
With over 122,000 lifetime Latino, immigrant, and working-class members across 46 US states, CASA is the foremost immigrant organization in the mid-Atlantic region and a national leader in supporting immigrant families and ensuring that all individuals have the core support necessary for full participation in society. Now a national immigrant powerhouse, CASA creates change with its powerbuilding model blending human services, community organizing, and advocacy in order to serve the full spectrum of the needs, dreams, and aspirations of members. Visit us at www.wearecasa.org and follow us on Twitter at @CASAforall.
