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To be American in this country is so much more than simply having been born within the imaginary lines called “our borders”.

It is no surprise that Trump’s anti-immigrant and xenophobic administration announced the end of DACA today. Ending this program means that 800,000 people protected under DACA — 72% enrolled in higher education and 91% employed — will face drastic changes in their lives.

This should not be seen as only a direct attack on DACA beneficiaries but on the 11 million undocumented folks who live in this country.

This decision is nothing more than state-sanctioned racism against our undocumented friends and family, who have the right to live and work in this country. It is a reminder that their humanity shall never be determined by their immigration status.

We understand that DACA was never a solution and that our government has continuously failed to address the need to create a just immigration system.

The truth is that while DACA protected over 800,000 young people in America, it left out, and alienated nearly 11 million undocumented people in this country – mothers, fathers, grandparents, everyday people who are our friends – that did not meet the requirements to receive DACA. This created a narrative that “undocumented” youth are not at fault and that their parents are to blame for breaking the law.

We at Californians for Justice want to make sure that we defend immigrant youth without criminalizing our families, who moved through insurmountable odds so that we have a chance to pursue our dreams and contribute to this country, and our families.

We must continue to do our part to fight for the idea that being an American is so much more than simply having been born within the imaginary lines called “our borders”. It is now up to us, our local communities, and our city and state government to stand with and protect our immigrant communities. To fight for all 11 million undocumented individuals in America.

Advice on how to talk about DACA while uplifting all 11 million undocumented people

• No Matter What Happens to DACA, Defend Immigrant Youth Without Demonizing Parents

Call your legislator!

• Call Congress: http://weareheretostay.org/call/

For more resources and information visit: http://weareheretostay.org