WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, immigrant youth from UWDA, CASA, and other partners gathered in front of the Hart Senate Building to demand a bold and robust response to the crisis with DACA. This is an urgent moment for all undocumented folks, whose lives have been in limbo for far too long, and whose lives have depended on court decision after court decision. It is up to Democrats in Congress to pass a pathway to citizenship for immigrant youth at risk.
Yesterday, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals released a ruling on Texas v United States against the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA) program and sent it back to Judge Hanen in the U.S. District Court in the Southern District of Texas to further decide the fate of the program. The ruling allows current DACA recipients to continue renewing their applications.
Bruna Sollod, Senior Communications and Political Director of United We Dream, said:
“ Today we saw courageous and unapologetic immigrant youth from UWD, CASA, partners and allies get arrested because we know what is at stake with this 5th circuit decision. We know what our country would look like without DACA, and we are clear that Congress must act now to protect us from deportation and from losing our ability to work and provide for our communities. We cannot keep living from court case to court case and in two-year increments. We are demanding permanent solutions now because we know what’s possible. It is time for Congress to deliver on their promises.”
Cindy Kolade, DACA Recipient and CASA member, said:
“I have had DACA for 10 years now, since the Obama administration brought the program to life. I am extremely upset about the decision made yesterday and today took time away from the essential work I perform at a hospital to participate in an action with CASA and UWD to make sure Congress hears our voices. We are here to stay and will keep fighting as we have been for so long. We need Congress to act on citizenship now, so we no longer have to live in fear and can continue to prosper in this country we call home. Oui nous pouvons!”
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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.
United We Dream Action is the leading national network fighting for dignity and justice led by immigrant youth and allies. We are a dynamic community of thousands of immigrant youth nationwide who build independent political power for those directly impacted by injustice. We organize and take action to win victories so that all people can be safe and thrive. You can find more about United We Dream Action online at https://unitedwedreamaction.org.
