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Dominican Sisters of Peace Release Statement Decrying Repeal of DACA

Dominican Sisters of Peace Decry President’s Decision to End DACA Sisters call on Congress to pass bipartisan Dream Act of 2017 Columbus, OH – The Leadership Team of the Dominican Sisters of Peace has issued the following statement decrying President Trump’s decision to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, which will put 800,000 youth who have grown up in the United States at risk. The Dominican Sisters of Peace now call on Congress to support Dreamers and to pass the bipartisan Dream Act of 2017 in order to protect Dreamers. “We are outraged at the President’s decision, despite public, Congressional, and business opposition, to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program,” said Sister Gemma Doll, OP, a member of the Congregation’s leadership team. “DACA has protected from deportation these individuals, who were brought to the United States as children. The program has allowed these young people to obtain work permits, drivers’ licenses, and other necessary documents in order to build productive, contributing lives here in the United States – and they have done just that.” Many DACA recipients have made a life in the United States and consider themselves Americans. As a country that boasts of opportunity and the “American dream,” it is disgraceful to turn our backs on those who have worked hard, contributed to society, and who see America as the only home they’ve ever known. These children and young adults have done nothing wrong. ‘“Love thy neighbor” is one of the most basic teachings of the Gospel and spans across faith traditions,” Sister Gemma said. “Ending DACA is slamming the door on our neighbor, not only when they need us most, but after they have been helpful to us. Congress has a moral obligation to do the right thing when the current law fails to adequately protect children who were brought here before they were old enough to make decisions on their own.” The Dominican Sisters of Peace are committed to creating welcoming communities and will continue to stand in support of human rights for immigrants. The Sisters support actions, programs, and legislation on all levels to protect DACA youth and call for comprehensive immigration reform that would provide additional and viable legal avenues for immigration, reunite families, legalize undocumented persons, and establish opportunities for permanent residency.

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Call your Representative today and urge him or her to take up and pass the bipartisan Dream Act of 2017. Call your Representative (1-888-496-3502) and call each of your Senators (1-888-410-0619). Call twice to be connected to both Senators. Suggested text: My name is [NAME] and I am a constituent from [CITY/STATE]. I am outraged that President Trump announced the end of DACA today. I urge you to do everything in your power to protect Dreamers by making sure the bipartisan Dream Act 2017 becomes law. As Catholic sister and a member of [ YOUR CONGREGATION], our faith calls us to love our neighbor. DACA recipients are contributing members of our communities. They are Americans in all things but citizenship. They deserve our protection. Will the [SENATOR/REPRESENTATIVE] do all they can to pass the bipartisan Dream Act 2017, so that DACA recipients gain protection under the law? Thank you for your time.

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