As you may be aware, the federal Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program may be rescinded in the coming days. DACA allows certain undocumented immigrants who were brought to the United States as children to be granted a type of temporary permission to stay in the U.S. called “deferred action.”
Many public school students and employees, including those at charter public schools, are DACA recipients. The Northwest Immigrant Rights Project estimates that 40,000 youth alone stand to be impacted in Washington.
While we are still waiting to see what a DACA rollback plan may look like, we are reaching out today to reiterate our commitment to standing up for the civil rights of all students at every turn – regardless of their immigration status – and to invite you to join us in taking action today to support those who would be directly impacted.
The only permanent solution for DACA recipients is to pass legislation that gives them the security of legal status and the opportunity to become citizens and continue to build their lives in this country – the country they have called home for most of their lives. The DREAM Act of 2017 is a bill that provides legal status and a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrant youth who entered the U.S. before the age of 18.
Charter schools and other public schools in Washington and across our country serve students who would benefit from the DREAM Act. WA Charters stands firmly with our national partners on behalf of DACA recipients who are seeking a quality education to prepare them for college, career, and a better life for their families.
Consider joining us in taking action before September 5. Click here to be connected directly with your members of Congress and ask them to co-sponsor the DREAM Act of 2017.
In solidarity,
Patrick