CALIFORNIA >> On Tuesday, the Trump Administration announced that the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA) program is “being rescinded.” The decision will affect nearly 800,000 undocumented young immigrants by possibly losing protection from deportation, education, healthcare, employment, and more. In response, organizations in California immediately shared resources available for DACA recipients, some of which Lake County locals may be able to reach.
The program, which started in 2012 under President Barak Obama, has approved 787,580 people that have lived in the US since June 15, 2007, and have arrived before the age of 16. Those eligible could obtain a valid driver’s license, secure jobs legally, and enroll in higher education. DACA did not offer recipients a path toward US citizenship, nor legal permanent residency.
The decision to end the program will stop any new applications from being approved, but those whose permits expire by March 5, 2018, can still apply for a renewal by October 5. President Trump has given Congress six months to act until that date before currently, protected individuals lose what they received under the policy.
In a media briefing held by the California Endowment on Tuesday afternoon, organizations like United We Dream, National Immigration Law Center, and the California Rural Legal Assistance Foundation shared resources available for DACA recipients and non-recipients. According to the American Immigration Council, California has over 530,000 beneficiaries, the state with the highest number of Dreamers — a term used for those in the program.
United We Dream, the largest immigration youth-led organization in the US, has created pages on their website dedicated to helping those affected by the decision. Among those efforts are online petitions, a financial contribution page, newsletters, and articles on what one can do next whether a recipient or anyone interested in “joining the fight,” as their website states. The network can be found at unitedwedream.org
Executive Director for the National Immigration Law Center Marielena Hincapié said that it is “extremely” important for the youth under the program to know their rights. She shared, “Make sure you carry your documents at all times and leave a copy at home with relatives. If you are detained, make sure you’re getting a low or pro bono attorney.” Hincapié said DACA recipients should not be denied a job right now and employees are not allowed to ask for new documents.
The National Immigration Law Center and The Children’s Partnership, also present at the briefing, joined organizations by offering their own series of similar forums available online.
In Lake County, however, resources are scarce. Community organizer Luisa Acosta said, “There is nothing in Lake County. Folks are contacting me for information.” She has reached out to CHIRLA, the Coalition for Humane Immigration Rights of Los Angeles, to help guide her in helping Lake locals. Acosta said she and county DACA members and families will be looking to organize in Santa Rosa, where they believe they have a better chance with resources.
Though some travel may be required, the California Rural Legal Assistance Foundation has offered assistance to folks in rural communities. At the briefing, Executive Director Amagda Perez said the foundation “works side by side with Dreamers.” Since the Trump administration set a deadline for October 5 to renew DACA applications, the Foundation has said they will be offering renewals in their Sacramento office Wednesdays and Fridays. “Know-your-rights” workshops, free consultations, and other assistance programs are also available on site. The legal service has said that because many living in rural areas around Sacramento are seeking help but cannot travel to their office, they will be holding meetings in other Central Valley counties. To meet in other areas, one can contact them to make an appointment at 916-446-7901.
Christina Ramirez with United We Dream said the organization held a community call in English and Spanish on Tuesday. She said there are more opportunities to learn and get help for everyone in the state. “You can find information at weareheretostay.org. We will continue to protect our community. This is our home and we are here to stay,” she closed.
