Community Members Gather To Defend DACA
WARSAW — This evening, Oct. 20, community members gathered at Central Park in Warsaw for a Defend DACA rally.
Deferred Action of Childhood Arrivals is a government program that protected nearly 800,000 young undocumented immigrants brought to the U.S. as children from deportation. President Donald Trump formally announced the end of the program in September. No current beneficiaries will be affected before March 5, 2018, but no new applications are being processed.
“We’re here for the Dreamers, we’re here for those who can’t really speak for themselves,” said Brian Smith, chairman of the Kosciusko County Democrats. “We must preserve DACA because this is who we are, we are not a hateful nation. We are a nation that loves all.”
“Think about what would happen if they were to deport all those people,” continued Smith. “Those are our friends, our neighbors, our coworkers. We can’t let that happen.”
Dreamer Bianca then addressed the crowd. “I came out tonight because this is a vital program. A lot of DACA recipients like myself just want to go to college, get an education and be successful. We just want to live the American Dream.”
Some of those in attendance came out just to show their support. “I’m here tonight so people know they’re not alone,” said one man who identified himself as Stu. “The whole premise of canceling this program seems immoral.”
All those in attendance were encouraged to make their voices heard moving forward. Smith urged everyone to vote, volunteer, donate and be vocal.
“Nothing is going to change in Washington unless we change it, unless we vote,” concluded Smith. “Let’s get our message out.”
A previous rally for the cause was held in September.