FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Allison Lee, Vice President External Affairs, alee@bettzedek.org
Direct: 323-549-5813, Cell 310-991-0373
LOS ANGELES — Today the Trump administration announced the rescission of the transformative DACA program, which for over five years has successfully allowed close to 800,000 immigrant youth to pursue their full potential and contribute more fully to their communities. President Trump decided to end the program despite repeatedly telling immigrant youth not to worry.
The Department of Homeland Security will cut off all new applications immediately. Those whose DACA permits expire between now and March 5, 2018, can apply for a two-year renewal by Oct. 5.
Jessie Kornberg, President & CEO of Bet Tzedek, issued the following statement:
“Bet Tzedek was founded upon Judaism’s central tenet that pursuing justice is a moral obligation for all citizens, and that this pursuit must include protecting and defending the rights of the most vulnerable among us. In keeping with our core values, Bet Tzedek stands today on the side of the DREAMers, who have put their faith in our system of democracy and justice.”
“DACA applicants relied on a promise by the federal government to allow them to live and work without fear of being deported if they came forward, paid a fee, passed a background check, and were deemed eligible after meeting certain requirements. Today’s decision by the Trump administration isn’t just shameful because it undermines or ignores the value they bring to our communities, it is shameful because it undermines the value our community brings to them.”
“Think of the sacrifices their parents have made to fulfill a dream of a better, safer life for their children. Dreams of 7-year-olds who go to sleep with full bellies and not hunger. Dreams of 12-year-olds who go to middle school and not to work. Dreams of 19-year-olds who go to jobs in offices and not in gangs. Dreams of a country that would support and justify their sacrifices for their children.”
“We urge all members of Congress to swiftly pass the bipartisan Dream Act 2017. We call on Governor Jerry Brown to support SB-54, The California Values Act – without amendments that will weaken it – to ensure that no state or local resources are diverted to fuel any attempt by the federal government to carry out mass deportations and that our schools, our hospitals, and our courthouses are safe spaces for everyone in our community.”
“Bet Tzedek’s Rapid Response Team will work with our community partners to ensure that immigrant youth are able to defend their right to maintain their livelihoods, their sense of security and their belonging in this country. Our goal is to provide stability and hope for DREAMers. They deserve no less.”
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