Los Angeles, CA -- The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA), the largest immigrant rights organization in California, warned young immigrants and their families to separate facts from fiction as it relates to news that a newly inaugurated President Trump may sign, as early as this Friday, an executive order ending the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, the deportation-relief measure signed by President Obama in 2012 and currently protecting more than 800,000 young undocumented immigrants.
The following are statements for Angelica Salas, executive director for CHIRLA.
"Bad news spread quickly and so do rumors. Although a formal announcement by President Trump cancelling DACA has been expected, we do not know for certain when such a directive will be issued and how soon it would take effect. Whether President Trump announces the end of DACA this week or next, the fact remains that such an impetuous action is ill-advised and creates chaos in the absence of a replacement program.
We call on the nearly 800,000 young immigrants who have signed up for DACA thus far not to panic, seek veritable information and guidance from trusted sources, and actively engage in the fight for a permanent solution, like the BRIDGE Act, that protects not only young people but their families too.
CHIRLA is making the following recommendations to current DACA recipients and their families :
- Refrain from applying for DACA for the first time.
- Refrain from renewing your DACA permit for now.
- Do not travel outside the country effective immediately because those who do and return after an announcement is made are at greater risk to not be allowed back into the U.S.
- Beware of false prophets, fraudulent offers, or incorrect information, especially in social media.
- Remain vigilant and ready to defend your hard-earned opportunity to reach your American dream.
- Do not expect all details on what happens next to be immediately available after an announcement. It may take days or weeks to answer all questions related to DACA applications, travel permits, and future replacement options to DACA."
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