The conversation around Dreamers needs more humanity and less statistics
People come to this country for a variety of reasons and bring a similar range of diverse backgrounds and stories, but they all have one thing in common – and it’s something they share with all of us.
They’re human beings.
The conversation around immigration often misses our shared humanity. For example, we often hear about Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients as numbers in a news story or as pawns in a political chess match, not people with individual stories, hopes and dreams.
All the while, many DACA recipients live in fear that a single judge with the stroke of a pen could make them leave the only home they’ve ever known.
As communicators and advocates, our responsibility is to humanize the way we talk and write about DACA and immigration. When we communicate about these issues, stories need to take precedence over statistics. The conversation must begin and end with remembering, acknowledging and celebrating the things that connect us rather than the borders that divide us.
Take action on human rights
Human rights apply to everyone, everywhere and without exception. That’s why Alliance San Diego recently launched its Start with Dignity campaign, which comes in response to increasing attacks against unhoused people, immigrants and communities of color. Through digital marketing, media relations and other tactics, the campaign urges supporters to petition President Joe Biden to align the U.S. with global human rights standards.
DACA recipients are under constant threat — here’s how to help
DACA continues to face threats and legal challenges that could gut its power to keep recipients in the U.S. legally. In Texas, for example, a looming court case could derail the lives of thousands in the state. Although the Biden Administration is taking steps to preserve the program, those protected by DACA remain on precarious footing.
Because of these threats, many undocumented people in the U.S. face an uncertain future. If you’d like to know how to support DACA recipients and other immigrant populations, check out these resources.
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