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It's been 11 years since the inception of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program; we honor the courage, resilience, and immense contributions of its beneficiaries—our Dreamers. Although they have flourished in all facets of American life, from education and healthcare to technology, their futures are clouded by legal and political uncertainties.
Dauda Sesay, Founder & Executive Director at LORI, underscores the pressing issues:
“Many of our Dreamers arrived as infants, nurtured on American values, and are now adults, distinctively contributing to society. Yet, they are gripped by a fundamentally inhumane fear - the fear of being deported to unfamiliar homelands. As a nation, we must shift from promises to tangible action. These young people deserve more than a life in limbo; they deserve a secure future in the country they’ve always known as home.”
We applaud President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris for championing the rights of Dreamers and urging Congress to enact comprehensive immigration reforms. However, the current state of limbo is no longer sustainable. We urge Congress to translate bipartisan interest into action, ensuring a secure future for these deserving individuals.
Echoing this sentiment, some LORI staff members share their perspectives:
Sharon Njie, Communication and Strategic Partnership Director, says, “Dreamers have enriched this great nation, forming an integral part of our communities. It’s essential to secure their futures, as this is home for them. I stand with the Dreamers.”
Bashar Saleh, Immigration Case Worker – Paralegal, expresses gratitude for the DACA program, “As a DACA recipient, I can affirm its transformative impact. It equipped me with the means to pursue my dreams, shaping my life profoundly. It’s crucial that we ensure the continuation of this program.”
Marcela Hernandez, Program and Organizing Manager, reflects, “While DACA symbolizes hope and progress, the celebration is bittersweet. We must recognize those still in the shadows of this non-inclusive system and fight for their rights too. Our collective voice is a powerful force to expand this program and further acknowledge the contributions of our immigrant community.”
Nathalia Dickson, Supervising Immigration Attorney, mirrors the immense importance of DACA to countless transformed lives and the unwavering resilience of these young immigrants. DACA has become a symbol of hope, opportunity, and the power of inclusivity. By standing alongside them, we affirm the fundamental truth that everyone deserves a chance to pursue their dreams and contribute to the fabric of our communities. As we move forward, let us remember that our collective responsibility lies in advocating for comprehensive immigration reform, which ensures full integration and empowerment of these young immigrants, offering them a path to stability, prosperity, and a bright future.
At LORI, we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to Dreamers, standing shoulder to shoulder with them in their quest for recognition, rights, and a rightful place in their homeland.
As we celebrate this milestone, let us be reminded that our work is far from done. Dreamers deserve more than temporary solutions—they deserve a secure future. Together, we can turn this dream into a reality.
Immigrant 'Dreamers' share worries as DACA remains in legal limbo on 11th anniversary - ABC News (go.com)
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