Monterey County Rape Crisis Center opposes the Administration’s decision to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). Terminating DACA undermines the safety and security of 800,000 young people and their families in the United States and leaves them vulnerable to deportation; including over 200,000 young people in California. We stand with immigrant communities in Monterey County and with all those who defend the rights of immigrants.

As an organization that serves some of the most vulnerable people in our community, we know the impact of being undocumented on survivors of crime. Too often, undocumented survivors of sexual assault, child abuse, and human trafficking are afraid to ask for the help they need, including reporting the abuse to law enforcement. We have seen the difference it makes in a teenager or young adult’s life to be able to access support services without fear of deportation, through having DACA status.  

Please join us in opposing the end of DACA by taking action.

If you have DACA status and have questions about what this means for you, you can begin with this infographic.

You can make your voice known by using these hashtags on social media #DefendDACA, #HereToStay, and #AdvanceAndDefend.

Let’s not wait six months to put legislation in place that will provide a legal path to citizenship for these young people who have been here most of their lives and who are productive and law abiding citizens who enrich our communities. Urge members of Congress to take action. Contact your federal representatives to implore them to defend DACA youth. Ask your member of Congress to pass the bipartisan DREAM Act, or enact similar legislation that would ensure survivors and witnesses of crimes of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking feel safe to report crimes without fear that seeking justice will put them at risk of being deported.

You can find your House member here: http://www.house.gov/representatives/find/. You can also call the Capitol Switchboard at (202) 225-3121. California residents can contact Senator Feinstein's office at (202) 224-3841 and Senator Harris' office at (202) 224-3553.

Here's What You Can Say:

“Hello,

My name is ____, and I am one of your constituents. I am calling to express my discontent with the White House's decision to end DACA and ask Senator/Representative ______ to support legislative action that will protect immigrants affected by the termination of DACA. Eight hundred thousand lives are affected because of the president's decision to end DACA, and now it is time for Congress to pass a law that would provide a pathway to citizenship for this group of immigrants.”

If you are told your representative/senator supports either the DREAM Act (in the Senate) or Hope Act (in the House of Representatives), say thank you and let them know you applaud that decision.

Together, we need to take a stand to protect young people in our community.