by Diana Pando
In July, TRP’s immigration leaders and staff joined other leaders and volunteers from across the country in a DAPA and DACA action in New Orleans, LA. The goal was to call for the judges of the 5^th Circuit Court of Appeals to allow the implementation of Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents (DAPA) and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) to be extended.
The day of the event, a large crowd of protesters, including immigrant rights advocates, community leaders, and allies, gathered outside of the courtroom. The lawyers inside were drowned out by their chanting that was growing louder by the minute. “The protestors definitely showed the judges and the lawyers that there is a great need for DAPA and DACA expansion,” said Tabitha Martinez, TRP’s Advocacy Organizer. “There are many of us willing to fight for it.”
The programs are on hold because in 2014, several states filed a lawsuit in Texas to block both DAPA and expanded DACA. A judge then issued an injunction blocking both of the programs from going into effect. The Department of Justice tried to get the injunction lifted, but it was denied.
The expansion of these two programs are important because The Migration Policy Institute estimates that about 3.7 million undocumented immigrants in the U.S. would potentially be eligible for DAPA alone. A new survey by the National Immigration Law Center is also reporting that the DACA program is improving the quality of life for many recipients. For example, 69% reported they were able to get better jobs and help their families financially and were able to obtain new educational opportunities.
While the injunction is still in place, TRP’s participation in these DAPA and DACA extension actions are important to TRP’s volunteers and their communities. During the trip many of the volunteers were inspired by meeting others who are doing similar work. This national call to action brought together organizations from California, Texas, Kansas, Wisconsin, and Alabama, among other states that participated.
“This action allowed me to visualize the impact DAPA and DACA would have if put into effect,” said Martinez. “These national actions remind me that the extensive immigration work we do in Chicago isn’t just for us, but for those in other states as well.”
Learn more about TRP’s immigration services and how you can get involved…