75,000 LGBTQ+ DREAMers to be deported
According to a recent study, there are over 75,000 LGBTQ DREAMers in the U.S. and over 36,000 of them have participated in Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). The third largest immigrant population in the U.S. is in Houston, where thousands of families have been forced out of their homes by Hurricane Harvey.
Equality Texas referenced the Harvey recovery in a statement denouncing President Trump’s decision to rescind DACA: “At a time when immigrants and Texas-born families are diligently working together to rebuild after Hurricane Harvey, an end to DACA would further rip our families apart, and unjustly instill fear within our communities. Latinx LGBTQ people already experience increased levels of discrimination and harassment in employment, healthcare, housing, and education.”
Undocumented immigrants displaced by the hurricane’s devastation may not be eligible for disaster assistance unless they apply on behalf of their U.S. citizen child.
“Equality Texas stands with the local to national coalitions of advocacy organizations denouncing the Trump administration’s plan to end DACA,” the LGBT+ organization’s statement continued.
“We oppose any policies which threaten the rights, health and lives of vulnerable Texans. We call upon the U.S. Congress to act in a bipartisan manner to enact legislation that will ensure the continuation of the DACA program.
“In Texas alone, so much remains to be done to ensure each and every LGBTQ Texan, undocumented or DACAmented, can live safely, authentically, and free from discrimination regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation.”
Equality Texas is the largest statewide organization dedicated solely to securing full equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer Texans through political action, education, community organizing, and collaboration.
Previous coverage by The Gayly on DACA:
Trump's challenge to Congress on immigration
Trump calls on Congress to “do its job” on DACA
What's next for people protected by DACA?
Fate of program to protect young immigrants still undecided
The Gayly – September 6, 2017 @ 10:30 a.m. CDT.