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A UMNS Report
By Amanda Bachus and Barbara Dunlap-Berg*
5:30 P.M. ET June 15, 2012
United Methodist Bishop Minerva Carcaño is a longtime proponent of the DREAM Act. A UMNS file photo by Mike DuBose.
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United Methodist supporters of immigration reform applauded
President Obama’s June 15 announcement that the United States would
change its immigration policy, ending deportation for some young
undocumented immigrants who entered the United States as children.
The action, brought about by executive order and not requiring
legislation, is similar in some ways to the DREAM Act, a measure
blocked by Congress in 2010. The DREAM Act’s goal is to set a path
toward citizenship for certain young undocumented immigrants. The
administration’s action could affect up to 800,000 people.
Under the new policy, immigrants younger than 30 who came to the
United States before age 16, who pose no criminal or security threat
and who were successful students or served in the military, can obtain a
two-year deferral from deportation, according to Homeland Security
Secretary Janet Napolitano. Those meeting the requirements could apply
for work permits, provided they are now in the United States and have
been continuously at least five years.
Phoenix Area Bishop Minerva G. Carcaño, a longtime proponent of the DREAM Act, responded with a statement.
“The Obama administration’s announcement today that some
undocumented youth living in the U.S. will receive temporary relief
from deportation and will be able to receive work authorization is an
extraordinary way forward for much-needed immigration reform,” the
bishop said.
“Among the young people who will be blessed by this action are
United Methodists with whom we celebrate and give God thanks. This day
comes as a result of the diligent efforts of many, including the hard
work of immigration rapid response teams in our annual conferences, the
work of several of our general agencies, United Methodist Women, and
the clear and steady voice of our Council of Bishops.”
‘Overwhelming’ but ‘bittersweet’
“It’s really overwhelming,” said an 18-year-old woman, who was
attending the Florida Annual (regional) Conference session when she
heard the announcement. “I’ve been here since I was 2 years old
and grew up American. And now, the fact that I can finally work and go
to school here will make life so much easier.” She is a new volunteer
for the United Methodist Justice for Our Neighbors program to help
immigrants, and she wants to attend law school.
“But at the same time, it’s bittersweet for me,” she continued.
“It’s great for everyone who qualifies, but I have mixed emotions
because of my family. I think about my parents, my aunts and uncles —
people who have never had a criminal record and have contributed to
this society, they are really deserving of relief. So, the work isn’t
finished.”
Calling it “a big day to celebrate,” Hannah Hanson, education and
advocacy coordinator for JFON in Florida, said, “I truly believe that
The United Methodist Church had a lot to do with this decision. We’ve
been advocating for this a long time, all across the country. Tomorrow
there’s a lot of work to do, but this is truly a day to celebrate.”
The president made the announcement in a news conference called Friday morning.
“Effective today, the Department of Homeland Security is taking steps
to lift the shadow of deportation from these young people,” Obama
said.
“This is not amnesty, this is not immunity, this is not a pass to
citizenship. It’s not a permanent fix,” he continued. Calling the
decision “a temporary stopgap measure,” he said, “There is still time
for Congress to pass the DREAM Act this year. … We still need to pass
comprehensive immigration reform.”
‘The right thing to do’
Sharing the story of a young immigrant serving in the U.S.
military, Obama continued, “I’ve been with groups of young people who
work so hard and speak with so much heart about what’s best in America.
“It is the right thing to do because these young people are already
making contributions to our society,” the president said. Treating
them as expendable, he said, “makes no sense.”
“We have always
drawn strength from being a nation of immigrants … ,” he said, “and my
hope is that Congress recognizes that and gets behind this effort.”
The American Civil Liberties Union said the announcement came on
the 30th anniversary of the landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision, Plyer
v. Doe, in which the high court made clear that all children,
regardless of their immigration status, must be welcomed in the
nation’s public K-12 schools.
*Bachus is director of the office of Spanish resources and
Dunlap-Berg is internal content editor for United Methodist
Communications, Nashville, Tenn.
News media contact: Barbara Dunlap-Berg, Nashville, Tenn., (615) 742-5470 or newsdesk@umcom.org.
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