statement

Defend DACA: A Call to Action

As the Trump Administration considers rescinding the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, the general secretary issues a call for United Methodists to urge their members of Congress to support DACA.

“I was a stranger and you welcomed me…Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.” -Matthew 25:35b, 40b

We are hearing reports that the Trump Administration may rescind the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program this week. This callous and needlessly harmful action should be alarming to all those who are called by Christ to welcome the stranger.

Nearly 800,000 young people would be at risk of deportation. These young people came out of the shadows at the invitation of their government to live fuller, more public lives, gaining legal status, work authorization, and the ability to support themselves, their communities, and the country. To pull the rug out from under them in this way is immoral and egregious.

DACA has offered undocumented individuals who were brought to the United States as children a chance to be shielded from deportation as long as they maintained a few requirements.

Our Book of Resolutions supports DACA recipients and their parents, affirming the executive action taken by President Obama as necessary, while acknowledging that “legislative change is the permanent step that is needed” (Book of Resolutions, #3281 “Welcoming the Migrant to the US” #3164 “DREAM Act”).

I encourage all United Methodists in the U.S. to call your members of Congress and urge them to

  • Appeal directly to President Trump to keep DACA in place, and
  • Co-sponsor and pass legislation like the DREAM Act that protects DACA recipients.

An interfaith coalition has set up a phone number for calls to members of Congress. Use these numbers to connect with your elected officials:

  1. Call your representative first at 1-888-496-3502
  2. Then call your senators at 1-888-410-0619 (Be sure to call twice!)

DACA recipients are strong and vital contributors to society. They sit in United Methodist pews and stand in United Methodist pulpits. Hundreds of thousands of children of God cannot be put in danger as the Church sits quietly by.