5 Ways to Light It Up for Our Dreamers

Earlier this week, the Supreme Court announced it will not take up an expedited review of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals federal court decision. The case is now expected to move through the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals via the normal appeals process, which could take several months. This announcement does not change current policy – which is to accept certain DACA renewals but NOT new applications. Find additional information on what the President’s September 2017 rescission of DACA means and its status today.

While the fight for a permanent solution continues in the courts and in Congress, below are five things you can do for our Dreamers right now:

1. Light It Up On Social Media

Join us on Monday, March 5 on Facebook Live as we show our support for Dreamers by lighting up the National Education Association headquarters building in Washington, D.C. Animated butterflies will be projected on the building from dusk until midnight. These butterflies have become a symbol of the immigration movement and mirror NEA’s Dreamers Welcome art. Designed by Faviana Rodriguez, the butterflies represent the beauty and dreams of our immigrant youth.

Here’s how you can participate:

• Join us on Monday, March 5^th at sunset (6:05pm) in front of the NEA building at 1201 16th St. NW
• RSVP here to join us via Facebook Live & Share the Event
• Change Your FB profile
• Tweet the following:
  Immigrant youth and allies demand Congress ends its political games. Congress HAS TO provide a real solution to protect immigrant youth without hurting families. #DreamActNow #edjustice
  

2. Pass School District Safe Zone Resolutions & Policies

All students should have the opportunity to learn without the fear and distress that results from harsh immigration enforcement. NEA has developed a sample Safe Zone resolution and district policy that can be used as a template or guidance for local school districts. The model resolution contains reassurances for students, procedures for law enforcement, and information and support for families and staff.

Click the image below to view an interactive map showing school districts that have passed or are considering Safe Zone policies:

 

3. Share These Resources for Educators, Students and Families

All students have a right to enroll in U.S. public schools, regardless of immigration status. Whether you’re an educator, a student or a family member of a Dreamer, it’s important to know your rights, and be aware of the resources and supports available to immigrant families. The NEA, together with Education-Austin, has developed a PowerPoint training for educators that details how we can support immigrant students and their families.

In addition, NEA’s Office of General Counsel has developed a new series of Know Your Rights documents on DACA, immigration & schools, and immigration enforcement. Share these resources with colleagues, students, and families:

• Know Your Rights: DACA (PDF)
• Know Your Rights-Immigration & Schools (PDF)
• Know Your Rights: Immigration Enforcement (PDF)

 

 

4. Share Dreamer Stories: Our Students, Our Neighbors, Our Communities

 

Dreamers are young, aspiring Americans who deserve every opportunity to learn. They are educators who inspire children each day. They are members of the military. They are our neighbors and friends. They are part of the fabric of our communities. Without the Dream Act, these Americans face deportation.

Together when we organize and share our stories, we know we are not alone and that we are powerful.

Read the stories of Vicente, Gema and other Dreamers at NEAEdJustice.org/dreamers. Share your stories by emailing NEAEdJustice@nea.org

 

5.   Sign the Pledge to Defend DACA Now 

Join NEA members across the country in standing up and supporting a path forward for these aspiring Dreamers. Demand that Congress pass the Dream Act now.

Sign the pledge and join the effort to defend the future for Dreamers >