Damage of Trump’s DACA edict; hail all heroes.

Those who have no direct relation with the immigrant struggle in this country have no idea of the devastation and pain caused by the Trump administration’s cruel and cowardly decision to end Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals.

This morally corrupt action takes away the legal protection and hopeful platform from which almost a million young, generous, noble and “citizen-feeling,” undocumented youth have identified themselves. Tears of joy flowed when President Obama announced within his power an executive order to offer employment authorization, and temporary protection from deportation, for qualified “Dreamers.”

That day there was a sea change in the lives of Dreamer families. DACA recipients could legally work and at better jobs. They could legally drive the whole family, relieving their constant fear. Thousands of young Dreamers enrolled in college.

On Tuesday I heard many tearful testimonies of youthful immigrants who in interviews and private conversations identified themselves: “I am Maria and I am DACA.” Dreamer moms stood up: “I have a son and a daughter who are DACA.” Not who have DACA or who are protected by DACA, but who are DACA.

DACA has given the young amazing immigrant youth of our community an identity with visibility, pride and protection. These immigrant youth identify as citizens of this country. As Ahtziry Barrera said, “The only country I remember pledging allegiance to is the United States.”

We have let her down. Don’t be silent; you can help.

They tried to bury us. They didn’t know we were seeds. Sister Ann Kendrick Apopka