Trump Calls for End to DACA, Community to Respond in Sunset Park Tonight

Paul Stremple -

This morning, President Trump called for an end to the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals immigration policy, commonly known as DACA. This afternoon, there are rallies across the city being planned in response.

  • The New York Immigration Coalition is hosting a Fight for DACA! rally in Foley Square tonight at 5:30pm.
  • Council Member Menchaca has announced a community response to the DACA tonight, Tuesday, September 5, at 8:00pm on the steps of St. Michael’s church (corner of 42nd St and 4th Ave in Sunset Park).

New York City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito and Immigration Chair Carlos Menchaca released a joint statement today condemning the decision.

The statement called the President’s decision “an unconscionable step backwards” and stated that “once again, President Trump has demonstrated a complete disregard for immigrants, families, young people and all those who risked everything to come to the United States.”

DACA won’t end immediately with this decision, but expiring permits will not be eligible for renewal. The first of those will start to expire in 6 months and the last in 24—a window of time in which the President has exhorted Congress to find a fix.

DACA provides social security numbers, work permits and federal benefits to almost 800,000 undocumented immigrants brought to America as children, of which more than 30,000 live in New York.

Just before noon today, 12 protestors staging a sit-in near Trump Towers were arrested by police.

Information is available for beneficiaries of DACA from the Immigrant Legal Resource Center.

UPDATED:

  • to include Sunset Park rally at 5:30pm

This story will be updated with news about events and protests as they are announced. Leave a comment if you don’t see your event listed here!