United Farm Workers President Arturo S. Rodriguez issued the following statement for the UFW and UFW Foundation following Thursday’s memo released by the Trump administration’s Department of Homeland Security (DHS) regarding DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) and DAPA (Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents). The DHS memo said DACA, enacted in 2012, will remain in effect.  Additionally, the Department of Homeland Security terminated DAPA, an executive action announced by President Obama in 2014 protecting from deportation the parents of American and lawful permanent resident children. DAPA was never implemented because it was stalled in the courts.

People who are eligible under DACA 2012 will remain unaffected. Those who meet the requirements “will continue to be eligible,” according to the DHS memo, and will be able to renew their eligibility every two years. The DHS memo noted that, “no work permits will be terminated prior to their current expiration dates.”

We have preserved DACA because of the strength of the Dreamer movement and the unified support of Dreamers by our immigrant community. We will continue to win victories for more people when we remain united and keep broadening our immigrant rights efforts.

However, this victory is bittersweet.  Immigrants, including DACA recipients, remain threatened by the fear of deportation given the increased number of ICE raids and its presence in their communities. 

The farm worker movement will remain vigilant over DHS policies and will continue fighting to protect the rights of immigrant communities. The UFW Foundation will continue to offer Know Your Rights information sessions and assist those who are eligible for DACA 2012. For more information visit www.sisepuede.org or call toll free 877-881-8281.