State Representative Diego Bernal Statement on ending DACA, 9-5

Representative Bernal Statement in Response to Decision to End DACA

Today I am saddened and heartbroken by President Trump's decision to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, or DACA. It flies in the face of everything this country and our community stand for. I want to be clear, I believe this is an inhumane and callous act. 

Since DACA began in 2012, undocumented individuals who were brought to the US as children have been provided the opportunity to work legally in the United States. This process has allowed for over 800,000 young people to live, go to school, and work in the country that they love, and for many, the only country they know. 

DACA participants, also known as "Dreamers," have graduated from American universities, are found in every corner of the workforce, and make countless contributions to our community. Several were among the heroes saving lives during Hurricane Harvey. They are, and see themselves, as American in every way. And yet, President Trump's decision removes their protected status, making them eligible for deportation. 

Ripping them away from their homes and families would be wrong, cold and without redemption. It is cruel and unconscionable to target the innocent and banish them to a foreign land- not to mention, widely un-American.

It cannot stand. We must work together.

I urge you to contact your Congressional Representatives and Senators today to demand that they fashion a true and swift solution. You can locate their contact information here.

Please know that you can count us among the many ready to fight and defend our community. 

Our office is a resource, please do not hesitate to contact us. 

More soon,

Diego M. Bernal

State Representative

Texas House District 123