Victory For DACA Around The State
DETROIT – Today, the Alliance for Immigrant Rights welcomed the decision by Michigan Secretary of State Ruth Johnson to grant drivers licenses to immigrant youth under Obama Administration reforms enacted last summer. Secretary Johnson has agreed per the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that immigrants covered under the President’s Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program are “lawfully present,” the technical designation necessary for the granting of drivers’ licenses. Young people active in the movement for immigration reform can claim victory for making sure the state recognized their rights to drive under the new reforms.
“This validates our efforts. It is great that we can now make use of the work permits granted under DACA,” said Sergio Martinez, a DREAM youth and AIR volunteer organizer. “…And we can also make use of our educations to begin to fulfill our dreams. This will also keep momentum going to win justice for our families with comprehensive immigration reform.”
“Those of us from Michigan will be marching in D.C. with a bit more enthusiasm after this,” said Raquel Garcia Andersen, AIR organizer. “It’s one thing to know immigration reform is the right thing for our families and communities and it’s another to win a solid victory. Young people can get to work and school without fear as well as drive to the march in April to work to keep our families safe.”
April 10, 2013 is the date set by the immigrant rights movement to march at the nation’s capital in support of comprehensive reforms including a path to citizenship and allowing those separated from their families to rejoin them. Those wishing to sign up for the Wednesday, April 10, 2013 march in Washington D.C to “Keep Families Together” through immigration reform can do so here.
