Support Undocumented Youth and Young Adults Protected by DACA

For tens of thousands of DACA recipients (defined below) who wait anxiously each day in their classrooms, workplaces, or military bases for news of an expected repeal that would derail the positive trajectory of their lives, the BRIDGE Act (see below) provides the security of legislation that would maintain the status quo until there is comprehensive immigration reform.

DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) was created in February 2012 by the Obama administration as an executive action.  As such, it can be overturned by the new Administration with the stroke of a pen.  Requirements are:

  • Applicants must be under 31 as of 6/15/12
  • Must have come to the US before age 16
  • Must have continuously resided in the US since 6/15/07
  • Must be in school, have graduated or achieved a GED, or be a veteran
  • Must have no criminal record

DACA provides a renewable 2-year period of deferred action from deportation and allows recipients to attain a work permit

The BRIDGE (Bar Removal of Individuals who Dream of Growing our Economy) Act has been introduced in the Senate by Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Dick Durbin (D-IL).  This Act, with essentially the same requirements as DACA, provides provisional protected presence and work authorization for 3 years, and includes restrictions on sharing information with ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement), as does DACA.

Act now:

Call all three of your Members of Congress - whether they are Republicans or Democrats – tell them to support DACA and the BRIDGE ACT…as well as comprehensive and humane immigration reform. CLICK HERE to learn how to make an effective phone call.

Find your Representatives’ phone numbers here: www.callmycongress.com

Tell them:

  • You support comprehensive Immigration Reform because we are a nation of immigrants and evidence shows that immigrants contribute a NET POSITIVE to our economy.
  • Specifically, that you are worried about the “fate” of DACA. The current Executive Order protects those who came to the U.S. as young children through no “fault” of their own.
  • To please lobby for and support the bipartisan effort to bring the BRIDGE ACT to the Senate floor.  This is a way to provide a sense of security and safety for DACA recipients as we move toward a truly humane immigration system and formal paths to citizenship.
  • IF you know friends or have family members who came here as immigrants, share a “real” story to illustrate the importance of immigration and the struggles immigrants face.
  • If phone lines are busy, try again. Or, you can send a postcard!  Use this content!