Community Response to Discontinuation of DACA

The Sisters of Divine Providence, Marie de La Roche Province, were saddened and disappointed, as were many millions of people across the country, to hear that President Trump has decided to discontinue the protection offered Dreamers by Deferred Action for Childhood (DACA). DACA is an effective pathway for the over 800,000 immigrants brought here as children to be fully integrated into American society and be able contribute to that society. Many of them are now adults and DACA has aided them by bringing stability to their families, their communities, and having been educated in American schools, reinforcing American values in their lives. Ending DACA will be a serious detriment to the progress they have made and cause them to go back into hiding. We share the hopes and dreams of these young Americans who exemplify what is right and good about our country.

By this distressing action on his part, President Trump has thrown this issue into the responsibility of Congress so  all of us must insist that Congress quickly take up and pass the bipartisan Dream Act of 2017.

We are women of faith who take seriously the Gospel call to welcome the stranger in our midst and tend to those in need. The unwarranted and heartless deportations taking place now breakup families and send people to countries they have not been in for 30, 40 years or more. Catholic Sisters have a lengthy history of helping immigrants and refugees. The Sisters of Divine Providence came to America in 1876 as immigrants from Germany to aid and educate German immigrants here in the U.S. Our community continues this tradition today in operating La Posada Providencia, a center in San Benito, TX working with Homeland Security and welcoming refugees.