Joint statement from Fruitvale, Oakland Community Leaders
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA, SEPTEMBER 6TH 2017 – Yesterday’s announcement by the Trump Administration to end DACA is immoral; an egregious insult to the values of this nation and an assault on the trust of our community.
We stand in solidarity with the more than 800,000 DREAMers who are affected by such a cruel decision by an Administration that has continued to show cowardice in stoking the fervor of division, hate, and bigotry. We are committed now more than ever to working alongside our young people, community advocates, and elected officials to ensure DREAMers have the protections they deserve.
Our organizations have deep roots in the community for more than four decades, providing equity-based support to the people of the Fruitvale District of Oakland – one of the largest Latino neighborhoods in the Bay Area – including in the areas of workforce development, education, immigrant and citizenship support, access to mental and primary care health services, developmental services and legal services. Our commitment to providing these resources and services has never been stronger.
The young people covered by DACA are our neighbors, friends, coworkers, family members, and community leaders. We know these young people are determined leaders, who, with DACA, were finally given a shot to pursue higher education, access to better jobs, and improve their family’s economic stability. They contribute to the vibrancy of our community and represent the strength and hope for the future of Oakland, Alameda County, California, and the United States. We will not let them down!
We are coming together to support efforts nationally and locally to protect DREAMers and their families, and to push forward a path to citizenship. We remain as dedicated as ever to provide healthcare, legal, education, workforce development and social services to all members of our community, regardless of their immigration status.
Noel Gallo
Councilmember, District 5
City of Oakland, CA
Paul R. Chavez
Executive Director
Centro Legal de la Raza
Alicia Contreras
Executive Director
Spanish Speaking Citizens Foundation
Jane Garcia
Chief Executive Officer
La Clinica de la Raza
Chris Iglesias
Chief Executive Officer
The Unity Council
Aaron Ortiz
Executive Director
La Familia Counseling Services