Trump attacks DACA, big march in Grand Rapids, MI
Grand Rapids, MI – In response to President Trump's attack on the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) 600 immigrants and their supporters marched and rallied in Grand Rapids. Youth and students impacted by Trump's decision led the march with a large banner demanding, “Dignity, respect, and permanent protection,” and “Dignidad, respeto, y proteccion permanente,” in Spanish.
Trump's decision threatens the status of over 800,000 young people and students in the U.S. When deadlines run out on temporary status for DACA participants, deportations will divide families. Trump claims to want Congress to act on immigration reform, but he is reversing the executive order that President Obama signed when Congress would not pass immigration reform.
The struggle to preserve and possibly expand DACA will now focus on forcing Congress to act. With both the House and Senate being controlled by Republicans, it will take a determined and vocal movement to win reforms. Groups like the Legalization for All Network will push for big gains, challenging the politicians of both parties.
The group Movimiento Cosecha organized the march and rally in Grand Rapids.