On September 5, 2017, the Trump administration announced that it will end DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) in six months time. DACA is a program put in place by President Obama to protect Dreamers (children of undocumented immigrants) from deportation. In subsequent tweets, Trump suggested that there may not be action on deportation until the six months have passed but as we’ve all learned, nothing he says should be confused with the truth.
Along with other statements and actions from the Trump administration, this decision should be considered another white supremacist attack on racial minorities, starting with the most vulnerable among us. Dreamers only know the United States as home and the correct term for these young people is “undocumented Americans”. As with other escalations by this administration, anyone who is an immigrant or just doesn’t look white enough may feel threatened.
In response to this latest display of racial hatred, all minority communities and allies should prepare for the worst. Here are some links with specific DACA-related resources and some related links from the ICC Resource Guide that can be helpful in preparing and defending those at risk:
DACA and Dreamers
Know Your Rights!
- There is a massive list of resources on the Informed Immigrant website
- ACLU (English and Spanish) – Immigrant rights and information for other vulnerable communities
- Download and print multi-language cards with instructions on how to protect yourself from Immigration Raids
- The Rights of Lawful Permanent Residents – Download sheets in English and Spanish
- “Red Cards” – Wallet-sized cards that can be slid under door explaining that you are aware of your 4th and 5th amendment rights
- Checklist to prepare financial affairs if you are concerned that you may need to leave the country without warning
- What About My Children – parental rights, arrangements for children, state child warfare agencies
- Migrant Parents’ Guide to Preventing Family Separation
- Patients’ Rights – Advice to community clinics and their clients
Delaware Valley / Pennsylvania – Legal Services
- ACLU of PA
- Legal services in defense of all civil liberties
- 215-592-1513
- African Hispanic Immigration Organization (AHIO), Inc.
- Located in Camden, NJ. Provides Immigration Law and Court Representation
- Alternative website – ahiolaw.org
- 856-324-5098
- Brophy and Lenahan Law
- Locations in PA and NY. Legal services for LGBT immigration issues
- 215-558-7600
- Camden Center for Law & Social Justice, Inc.
- Locations in Camden, NJ and Atlantic City, NJ
- 856-583-2950 (Camden); 609-348-2111 (Atlantic City)
- Catholic Social Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia
- No criminal cases; takes asylum cases; may charge nominal fee
- 215-854-7019
- Chester County Migrant Ministry (no website)
- Provides legal services; assistance with immigration procedures and citizenship classes;
- 645 E. Baltimore Pike, Kennett Square, PA 19348
- 610-444-0387
- Church World Services (CWS) Lancaster
- Lancaster branch of national organization
- Refugee resettlement, employment, and legal services
- 717-381-2890
- HIAS Pennsylvania
- Founded as the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society to help Jews escaping the Nazi holocaust
- Continues to assist immigrants and their families from any ethnic, cultural, or religious background
- 215-832-0900
- Mission Santa Maria Madre de Dios (no website)
- 37 S. Pennsylvania Ave. Avondale, PA 19311
- 610-268-3365
- Nationalities Service Center Migration Services
- Based in Philadelphia. Legal protections, access to health and wellness services
- 215-893-8400
- Pennsylvania Immigration Resource Center
- Based in York, PA. Legal services for detained immigrants
- 717-600-8099
- Philadelphia Volunteers for the Indigent Program (VIP)
- Provides free civil legal services for low income clients: immigration, civil rights, employment
- 215-523-9550
- Prime-Ecumenical Commitment to Refugees (ECR)
- Locations in Landsdowne, PA and Lancaster, PA
- 610-259-4500 (Landsdowne); 717-396-9300 (Lancaster)
National Organizations- Legal Services
- American Immigration Lawyers Association
- Search by type of lawyer, language, and location
- Immigration Defense Project
- Legal assistance, training, and detention services
- 212-725-6422
- United We Dream
- Advocacy for immigrant youth and families, regardless of immigration status.
- 844-363-1423 (for assistance or to report ICE activity)
If you become aware of other resources that could be helpful, please add them to the Comments below.