WHAT: On Wednesday, November 15th, Latino Memphis will host “The future of DACA, an analysis and
panel discussion about the Dream Act” at the Halloran Centre from 5:30-7:30 p.m. to discuss the various
versions of the Dream Act and provide a place for university presidents to come together and voice their
support for the bipartisan bill.
After the rescission of DACA, 800,000 recipients will be unable to work in their desired professions
regardless of whether they obtained all the necessary training and will be at risk of deportation. The clean
version of the Dream Act of 2017 demonstrates a commitment not only to our values of diversity and
inclusion as Americans but as our commitment as a country to provide others the opportunity to fulfill
their American Dream.
Jeanne Batalova, Senior Policy Analyst at the Migration Policy Institute (MPI), a D.C. based independent,
nonpartisan, nonprofit think tank dedicated to analysis of the movement of people worldwide will discuss
the different versions of the Dream Act and present MPI’s comparative study.
“Passing a clean version of the Dream Act of 2017, one that is not paired with increased funds for
systems that break families apart, would empower these young people to further contribute to our
communities and nation as citizens of the country they call home,” said Gina John, advocacy coordinator
at Latino Memphis.
Aside from an analysis of the Dream Act, there will be a panel discussion and Q & A with local leaders,
immigration advocates, and local DREAMer Chantel Barcenas. Chantel is a freshman at Christian
Brothers University and alumni of Latino Memphis’ college access program, Abriendo Puertas. There are
8,300 young people like Chantel in our state and Memphis’ higher education community is standing with
them.
WHO: Latino Memphis in collaboration with:
Rhodes College | Southwest Tennessee Community College
University of Memphis | Christian Brothers University
Memphis Theological Seminary | LeMoyne-Owen College
WHEN: Wednesday, November 15th, 5:30 – 6 Meet & Greet with DACA recipients in lobby
6:00-6:20 Comparative Paper Analysis / 6:30-7 Panel Discussion / 7 Letter Signing
WHERE: Halloran Center Auditorium, 225 South Main St. Memphis, TN 38103
VISUALS: DACA recipients in white shirts, university presidents signing poster size letter of support
ON-SITE MEDIA CONTACT: Gina John, Advocacy Coordinator, Latino Memphis 901.366.5882 x 126 or
gina@latinomemphis.org
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