Every child deserves an opportunity to learn without the fear and distress that results from unfair immigration policies. As educators, we witness the impact of this trauma on our students, their families and our communities firsthand.
In 2012, the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program allowed immigrants who came to the United States as children to step out from under this fear and become contributing members of our communities.
Arkansas is home to more than 10,000 of these “dreamers,” who are now able to study or work under DACA protection. Dreamers are our neighbors and co-workers. They are our students in our schools and local colleges. Together we are Arkansans, and our friends, neighbors and students are again at risk.
The Trump administration is reportedly considering eliminating protections extended under the DACA program. Breaking apart immigrant families and putting children in danger is a cruel, and counter-productive step away from the comprehensive immigration reform our country needs.
We must ensure children aren’t punished for their parents’ actions, and instead embrace the skills and diversity these bright young people bring to our state. We will be stronger for it.
The debate around immigration reform should include everyone who is ready to contribute, grow and enrich our future – that includes the innocent children who DACA seeks to protect.
These children need your help. Please take one or all of these steps on their behalf.
- Call the White House comment line at 202-456-111 between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. (central time) and ask the President to extend DACA.
- Call your members of Congress and ask them to publicly support Dreamers and to support legislation that would give them permanent protection.
Senator John Boozman–(202) 224-4843
Senator Tom Cotton-(202) 224-2353
Representative Rick Crawford 1st District-(202) 225-4076
Representative French Hill 2nd District-(202) 225-2506
Representative Steve Womack 3rd District-(202) 225-4301
Representative Bruce Westerman 4th District-(202) 225-3772
- Keep up with the conversation at #DefendDACA #EducationNotDeportation
- Find more resources on protecting immigrant students here.
- Sign the NEA #DefendDACA Pledge here.
Sincerely,
Cathy Koehler
