The Mississippi Immigrants Rights Alliance has announced they will provide assistance to Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients.
After a recent decision to dismantle the program made by President Donald Trump, DACA recipients face an October 5 deadline.
“This administration’s decision to end DACA in and of itself is cruel, but to set a ridiculously tight renewal deadline is beyond pale,” said Patrice Ice, legal project director for MIRA. She continued, “We cannot allow this arbitrary deadline to stifle the dreams of young people who work hard to make significant contributions to our nation.”
The DACA program allows some immigrants who were brought to the U.S. before the age of 16 to work and go to school without fear of deportation. The deadline will have a significant impact on Dreamers, as DACA recipients are called.
“People from all over the world come to the United States to fulfill their hopes and aspirations, it is not a place where dreams are stifled,” said Bill Chandler, executive director of MIRA. “We are here to make sure DACA recipients have the support they need to remain in the only country they have ever called home.”
MIRA will be offering two workshops where local recipients can get legal advice and help in renewing their applications. The workshops will be held at the MIRA offices on 4436 N. State Street, suite A-1 on Friday Sept. 29th and Saturday, Sept. 30 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
“I love this country, it’s my home and I will do everything I can to stay here. I truly appreciate the efforts of organizations like MIRA because they understand we Dreamers are here to contribute to this nation and make it a better place for all Americans,” said Daniela Gonzalez, a Mississippi Dreamer.
