United We Dream!

We are students in the Master of Social Work program at the University of New England in Maine. As advocates, we fight for the rights of others and work to obtain needed resources by convincing others of the legitimate and rights of members of society.

Throughout the United States, there are many individuals living in fear because of their immigration status. As prospective Social workers, we are particularly concerned for those who are vulnerable or are unable to speak up for themselves.

One of the first tests of Donald Trump’s presidency will be over the futures and livelihoods of the 800,000 DREAMers with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status. Trump’s pledge to end DACA on day one of his presidency is running headlong into the compelling arguments. Unless Congress passes legislation that protects DREAmers from being deported. The president’s decision to end DACA conflicts with American values of fairness, equality, and opportunity for all.

President Trump has now put the ball in Congress’ court. As prospected social workers, we must insist that members of Congress stand up for DACA recipients by passing the Dream Act of 2017.

The Dream Act of 2017 is a bipartisan bill that would provide a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants who came here as children, and who graduate from U.S. high schools and attend college, enter the workforce, or enlist in the military program.

It is critical that Congress acts now.