Throughout our nation’s history, the great American story for so many immigrants is finding a better life, building a stronger future, and achieving their dreams in this great nation.
At Kids Forward, we are committed to building the best future possible for every child and every family in Wisconsin. This includes over 7,500 young people in Wisconsin who have met the rigorous criteria to receive the benefits of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. As a result of DACA, these young people, who have called the United States home since they arrived with their families, have been able to acquire driver’s licenses, work permits, and temporary protection from deportation, allowing them to contribute to the well-being of our economy and our communities.
DACA has opened a path for young people to live, learn, work, and thrive— a dream the ancestors of so many non-indigenous people in our state also sought when they immigrated to Wisconsin.
The President’s action to end DACA is both unjust and economically short-sighted. Rescinding DACA is not an isolated bad decision, but rather part of a troubling pattern of efforts to further the intimidation and oppression of people of color through abuses of executive power, such as the pardoning of Sherriff Arpaio and the ban barring Muslims from entering the country.
In Wisconsin, the harm of rescinding DACA will go well beyond the 8,000 young people who participate in the program— it will also affect their families, including thousands of DACA participants’ own children. The uncertainty and trauma President Trump is unleashing on Dreamers and their families is unconscionable and unacceptable.
In addition, rescinding DACA will not only affect participants and their families, it will also have a huge economic cost. According to the Center for American Progress, it is estimated that the United States would lose approximately $460 billion in Gross Domestic Product over the next 10 years, and Wisconsin would lose over $425 million annually.
President Trump will terminate DACA in six months unless Congress—the body whose inaction caused the program to be created in the first place—can pass immigration reform. Though congressional leadership has not demonstrated any interest or capacity to move immigration proposals forward in the past, they must immediately do so now.
Congress can choose to pass practical solutions like the proposed bipartisan Dream Act and the American Hope Act. But they will not act unless they hear from you.
TAKE ACTION
Congress can no longer sit idle. They must act. Contact your legislator and tell them to protect Dreamers and our nation’s future by voting for the Dream Act and the American Hope Act.
The most effective way to do this is by calling and leaving a message with staff or on their voicemail asking them support the Dream Act and the American Hope Act. You can call your Representative and both Senators by dialing 1-877-233-9025.
You can also text “RESIST” to 50409. This allows you to send a personalized message directly to your senators.
Act now and stand up for thousands of children and families in Wisconsin.