AMERICAN GATEWAYS RESPONDS TO TRUMP ADMINISTRATION’S DECISION TO TERMINATE DACA PROGRAM

September 5, 2017

AUSTIN, TX – American Gateways is dismayed to learn that, after months of equivocation and false promises, the Trump Administration will terminate the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program initiated by former President Obama.

The DACA program has created opportunities for more than 800,000 students and high school graduates and has been shown to positively impact educational attainment, economic opportunity, and earning potential, all of which are a boon for all Texans, irrespective of their immigration status. Our team has the privilege of working with Central Texas “DREAMers” every day and we can attest to the incredible energy, ambition, and commitment to American ideals embodied by this community. The Administration’s announcement is truly a disgraceful chapter in American history in which some of our best and brightest fall victim to ignorance and xenophobia.

In the coming days and weeks, American Gateways will work with affected clients and other community members to evaluate their legal options and provide counsel on next steps. In the meantime, we also renew our call for humane and comprehensive immigration reform that creates a path to permanent status and, ultimately, citizenship for all who qualify. We will continue to serve the DREAMer community throughout Central Texas and promote the fundamental rights of undocumented immigrants everywhere.

Individuals who currently have DACA are invited to apply for in-person consultations at American Gateways’ Austin office Monday through Thursday, between 9:00AM and 12:00PM and 1:30PM and 5:00PM. Our San Antonio office conducts walk-in screening Monday through Thursday, from 9:00AM to 2:00PM. Our Waco office will schedule intakes by appointment only.

American Gateways will be hosting and co-hosting information and renewal application sessions on DACA.  Check our Facebook page for specific dates and locations.

 

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