Fight Back! News

News and Views from the People's Struggle

Milwaukee pushes for DAPA/DACA+ implementation

By Isabella Beaupré

Youth Empowered in the Struggle (YES) marches in Milwaukee for favorable ruling

Milwaukee, WI – On April 6, members and affiliates of immigrant rights activist group United We Dream held actions around the country to raise awareness of a significant issue. DACA+ (Deferred Action for Children Arrivals extension) and DAPA (Deferred Action for Parents of Americans) will return to the Supreme Court after a delay caused by Justice Scalia’s death in February. As the court date approaches, groups in Albuquerque, Milwaukee, and many other cities are holding actions, making noise and taking the streets in attempts to direct media attention toward the families affected by the measures.

On the night of April 6, in Milwaukee, students, workers and others marched down the busiest street of the city’s downtown, mariachi band in tow, chanting in support of their brothers, sisters, parents and selves, all eager for a favorable ruling on DACA+ and DAPA. The march was organized by Youth Empowered in the Struggle (YES), a radical immigrant rights group comprised of progressive university students and community members.

Blas Antimo Perez, a YES member and first generation Chicanx, said he was marching for “my undocumented parents. Although I do not benefit from DACA, having been born in the U.S., I stand with my brothers and sisters who deserve a better experience in this country. DACA and DAPA mean not having to live with paranoia, they mean having the freedom and comfort to plan for the future. These policies will allow self-determination for people who are constantly unable to fulfill their dreams because they are burdened by manmade borders ­ a detriment to Latinxs in this country.”

DACA+ and DAPA has the potential to better the lives of millions of immigrants currently living in fear of deportation, separation from their families and forced removal from their jobs and homes.

The Supreme Court is expected to hear the case April 18.

#MilwaukeeWI #MilwauekeeWI #StudentMovement #OppressedNationalities #ChicanoLatino #UnitedWeDream #DACA #YouthEmpoweredInTheStruggleYES #DAPA