The fate of 800,000 children hangs in the balance if the DREAM Act isn’t passed. Following President Trump’s announcement to end DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals), there was significant backlash, as this decision places countless young people who are children of undocumented immigrants at risk of deportation. However, there is still hope.
The DREAM Act (Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors Act) is pending in Congress, and if enacted, it would provide legal status to these young individuals. With the clock ticking right in the heart of the holiday season, a group of “Dreamer” kids decided to make their voices heard.
On Wednesday, a cheerful group of children, dressed as elves, marched to Representative Mark Johnson’s office to sing custom Christmas carols aimed at urging him to support the DREAM Act. They even brought lumps of coal as a playful reminder of his “naughty” stance if he fails to act. Their carols were lighthearted yet carried a serious message, all while they remained calm and orderly during their performance.
However, in a familiar scene from recent protests, Capitol police were summoned, and they didn’t hesitate to prepare their zip ties—yes, zip-tie handcuffs—for children. To add to the absurdity, police followed the young protesters as they continued their demonstration outside.
These young elves weren’t alone in their efforts. Approximately two thousand immigrants gathered at the Capitol that day, rallying to amplify their demands. December 6th was declared a “national day of action,” where immigrants, alongside religious leaders and politicians, came together to urge Congress to pass the DREAM Act, allowing undocumented children and teens the chance to pursue education and live free from the fear of deportation.
While the kids tried to keep their protest light-hearted amidst the gravity of their situation, their festive attire highlighted the cruelty of leaving nearly a million youngsters vulnerable during the holiday season. Their clever approach was aimed at resonating with Representative Johnson.
Although the complexities of illegal immigration and associated policies are undeniable, targeting children who are innocent victims is needlessly harsh. The actions of the current administration seem to echo a vindictive undoing of policies put in place by the previous administration.
Kudos to these brave kids for taking a stand and bringing joy to a serious issue. However, in light of what some political figures are doing to the nation’s children, perhaps a lump of coal isn’t sufficient punishment.
For more insights on similar topics, check out this informative article on pregnancy and home insemination from Modern Family Blog and for those considering expanding their family, this resource offers a wealth of information. To learn more about at-home options, explore this insemination kit.
Summary:
A group of children dressed as elves sang carols at Congressman Mark Johnson’s office to advocate for the DREAM Act, which would protect undocumented youth from deportation. Despite their cheerful approach, police intervention highlighted the ongoing tension surrounding immigration policies in the U.S.