Trump Administration & Federal Government Working Group and Indivisible C2A
THE ISSUE
After announcing the impending termination of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, Trump later unveiled an outrageous list of hard-line demands for having it reinstated. DACA allows undocumented immigrants who were brought to the U.S. before the age of 16 (known collectively as DREAMers) to remain in the country for 2 years to attend school or work, with an opportunity to renew for 2 additional years if they meet certain requirements. Now nearly 800,000 young people—including children—are at risk of immediate deportation. Maine is currently home to 110 DREAMers, who collectively contribute $256,000 in state and local taxes each year. The bipartisan Dream Act of 2017 (S. 1615) would support lawful permanent residence to undocumented immigrants who came to the U.S. before the age of 18 who meet strict requirements. Rep. Chellie Pingree is a co-sponsor of the House’s companion bill (H.R. 3440). The new demands from the White House, which Democrats reject, hold these DREAMers hostage in order to fund a border wall, eliminate sanctuary cities, increase the ICE deportation force, and punish new immigrant children. Though there has been little movement on the bills, the looming Dec. 22 deadline for a budget resolution could serve as a pressure point for Republicans who don’t want to risk a government shutdown.
THE ACTION
- Tell your representatives to reject these new demands from the White House and pass a clean DREAM Act of 2017 (S. 1615 in the Senate and H.R. 3440 in the House). Ask Collins, King, and Poliquin to show public support by signing on as co-sponsors to these bills, and thank Pingree for her early co-sponsorship. Poliquin’s web site states that he is in support of finding a solution for the DREAMers, but does take a position on H.R. 3440. Ask him why not. Ask King and Pingree to use the leverage that the budget deadline will create by opposing any “continuing resolution” that does not contain a clean DREAM Act.
- Sign this petition in support of DACA from United We Dream.
- Share this video that explains what DACA is.
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Suit Up Maine is an independent, all-volunteer grassroots progressive group that seeks to build a more informed and engaged electorate in Maine. Founded in 2016, Suit Up Maine is run by and for Mainers, and is not engaged in fundraising of any kind. Representing thousands of constituents across Maine’s 16 counties, Suit Up Maine raises awareness of and advocates for policies and legislation that promote equity and equality in civil rights, social justice, health care, the environment, education, the economy, and other areas that affect the lives of all people. Suit Up Maine is beholden to issues and action, not parties or politicians.
