Republicans have just voted to shutdown the government after choosing to stand on the wrong side of history: the side of racism and blocking protections for the millions of immigrant youth at immediate risk of detention and deportation. Trump’s shutdown means that both parties must come to the negotiations table and figure out a pathway forward for immigrant youth across the country. Republicans created this crisis and now they must fix it. The next few days are crucial and this is what you need to know as we take another step toward winning the Dream Act:
1. Our lives are at stake, we need the Dream Act NOW.
Trump has promised the mass deportation of undocumented people, we have seen our community members ripped apart from our families. DACA recipients continue to be at risk of deportation as this racist administration ramps up its efforts to come after immigrant communities. We need a permanent solution now and that is the Dream Act.
2. It’s on Republicans.
Trump is at fault for the end of DACA and Republicans are to blame for this government shutdown. They control Congress and the White House. They have had over four months to resolve this crisis and their failure to do so has led to the #TrumpShutdown.
3. There is a pathway forward.
We have seen bipartisan support in both the House and Senate to ensure that immigrant youth are permanently protected from detention and deportation. A bill in the House and a proposal in the Senate have both gained support from Republicans and Democrats. We have been advocating for the bipartisan Dream Act for six months and now is the time to pass it for the millions in our community who have been living in anxiety for too long.
4. We are ready.
We are going to let Republicans know that we are not only watching, we are holding them accountable. They must stop holding the Dream Act hostage and pass a permanent solution for our community now.
Go to weareheretostay.org right now to tweet at Republicans who need to stop holding the Dream Act hostage!
