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Fabiola Cervantes, Public Relations and Digital Content Manager
901.827.7780
fabiola@latinomemphis.org
Dreams will be buried if DACA is killed
Eliminating DACA will place nearly one million young people at risk of deportation
Memphis, TN – As we approach Labor Day, it is anticipated that President Trump will tell 800,000 young people they are no longer eligible for a work permit and are now eligible for deportation. These Dreamers, which were brought to our country as children, want nothing more than to work towards their American dream and to contribute to the country they call home.
On Labor Day, local youth will host a DACA Vigil in front of the Clifford Davis / Odell Horton Federal Building from 6:30 – 8 p.m. where they will bury their dreams and aspirations in a coffin. Organizers are asking attendees to make signs, dress in black and wear graduation caps for the dramatic and visual act.
“This is the country that made them who they are today and the country they are now helping build. This is the only country they know. They are our friends, neighbors, leaders, customers, students, colleagues and employees,” says Latino Memphis Executive Director Mauricio Calvo.
Trump and 9 states want to put an end to the dream. We must raise our voice and join businesses and individuals across the country to protect our future leaders.
“Join us, and tell Congress that working is not a crime and that you want and need DREAMERS to stay. Keep DACA and pass the Dream Act. It is the right thing to do, and it is the smart thing to do,” said Maria Rosales, DACA recipient and CBU freshman majoring in cyber security and digital forensics.
DACA has provided 8,300 Tennesseans protection from deportation and the ability to work and attend school. It gave them the opportunity to flourish. As we continue to work to attract much-needed talent to keep our city moving forward, we have these thousands of DACAmented youth who have dreams and want to work right here in Memphis. Why have we made it a crime to want to work?
Latino Memphis is a 501c3 nonprofit organization. Since its beginning in 1995, Latino Memphis has become the go-to organization for issues impacting the Hispanic community in the Mid-South and the largest Latino-serving nonprofit in West Tennessee, connecting thousands of clients each year to needed services in the areas of health, education and justice. The work of Latino Memphis is a collective approach that aims to create a vibrant Latino middle class in Memphis; a concept that will not only impact Latinos, but the entire community. Latino Memphis is committed to raising the voice of Latinos in our region and working toward building a vibrant middle class.
