By In September of 2017 Trump effectively ended the DACA program and gave Congress six months to come up with an alternative plan, for the hundreds of thousands of DACA recipients whose lives were put at risk.
On the 6th month anniversary of that decision and the deadline set by Trump, MPower Change, along with organizations like United We Dream, Bend the Arc Jewish Action, Women’s March, Planned Parenthood Action and many others mobilized to demand that Congress act to protect dreamers. A rally was held at noon on March 5 at the National Museum of American History in DC, followed by a march to the Capitol Building.
MPower Change was especially active in involving faith leaders from the Muslim community in the event, in order to set a precedence for others to join the call for a #DreamActNow.
Every day, the Trump administration works to divide us, but what are stronger are the things that unite us: our dreams and our faith.
The rally drew approximately 1,000 people marching with different groups and organizations, including 40 individuals who participated in acts of civil disobedience outside of the Capitol Building.
Inside the building, well known members of the Muslim community including; Linda Sarsour, Zahra Billoo, Imam Omar Suleiman, Imam Zaid Shaker, and Nihad Awad, along with other faith leaders from both the Muslim and Jewish communities were arrested after staging a sit-in in front of Paul Ryan’s office. Statements from these leaders echo sentiments of unity, solidarity, and the continuous struggle for justice for individuals of all communities.
“Every day, the Trump administration works to divide us, but what are stronger are the things that unite us: our dreams and our faith. We’re here today to stand with our undocumented sisters and brothers – whether they’re Muslim or from any other background – and demand that Congress pass a clean Dream Act now.”
– Linda Sarsour, MPower Change Executive Director
“We cannot let any community suffer in isolation or we will all pay the price”
– Imam Omar Suleiman, Founder and President of the Yaqeen Institute for Islamic Research and Dallas based Muslim faith leader
Imam Dawud Walid, another faith leader arrested, summed up the purpose for the gathering:
“Our faith traditions hold a special status for immigrants who’ve left their lands searching for a better way of life. We call upon Congress to pass legislation to protect DACA recipients under the previous administration from the undue burden of leaving their families and communities which they’ve positively contributed to.”
Take action and demand that our representatives protect Dreamers.
Thankfully, all those arrested were later released. But the fight is not yet over. MPower Change and other groups are urging everyone to continue calling for a #DreamActNow. Here’s how:
Take action and demand that our representatives protect Dreamers. Here are some things you can do:
1) Sign MPower Change’s petition here.
2) Share details on social media.
3) Call the offices of your representatives directly to demand that legislation is passed to protect dreamers.
4) Send an email to the White House and let the president know you disagree with his decision to end DACA.
Remember, your voice counts. Let’s do our part to let the people on the Hill know that we demand a clean Dream Act now.