Joint Statement on DACA Repeal

In the strongest terms possible, SEIU Locals 49 and 503 condemn the overturning of DACA.Under the 2014 Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, nearly 800,000 young people—including more than 11,280 Oregonians—came forward in order to fully contribute to the economy, feel safe, and continue to help the country they have called home since childhood.Now, Trump is betraying that trust and is tearing families and our communities apart.“Let’s be clear—this policy reversal is cruel, capricious, and bad for the economy. It’s unacceptable that the hand that extended the American Dream to nearly 1 million young people in 2014 would slap it away in 2017. The promise of DACA represents the best this country to be; rescinding it represents a betrayal of our nation’s values of compassion, equity, and justice,” said SEIU 503’s executive director, Brian Rudiger.“SEIU members in Oregon are committed to do whatever it takes to stand on the right side of history,” added SEIU 49 President Meg Niemi. “DACA recipients are our co-workers, union members, friends, neighbors and our family members. The fight to defend DREAMers is our fight, and we will do everything we can to help keep families together and support our community.”