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"Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it." - Hebrews 13:2
Attorney General Jeff Sessions has announced that the Administration has terminated the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). As a result almost 800,000 vulnerable migrants, who have come to call the United States their home, will be in jeopardy on March 5, 2018.
Under DACA, migrants brought to the U.S. as children were able to receive work permits and a temporary reprieve from the fear of deportation, but not a pathway to permanent legal status. Many of them have as a result found employment (91%), received driver's licenses (90%), continued their education (72%), and made substantial contributions to their communities and the country (contributing $460.3 billion to our GDP).
With a history of welcoming the stranger in the United States for 75 years, LIRS stands disappointed with the Attorney General's announcement. Our faith guides us into a call of compassion and empathy, especially for those children and youth who are most vulnerable. Clearly, the outpouring of support from business leaders, faith communities, educators, governors, mayors, Democrats and a growing number of Republicans has made it clear that the country stands with Dreamers. The United States can - and must - continue to provide protections and enact legislative solutions for Dreamers to continue to thrive.
In peace,
Javier S. Cuebas
Director for Advocacy
Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service
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