Houston, TX – Today, immigrant youth leaders of United We Dream Action (UWDA) participated in the She The People Presidential Forum – a forum organized by women of color to distinguish which candidates stand with and for women of color in our communities.
UWDA leaders Dhamaris and Lucy asked questions to Senator Kamala Harris (D-CA) and Beto O’Rourke. They were met with promises of “comprehensive immigration reform.” We know the phrase “comprehensive immigration reform,” means citizenship for some in exchange for more and more enforcement. Our community deserves candidates with a plan to stop the terror on our communities by defunding the Deportation Force and provide permanent protections for immigrants without hurting immigrants.
Lucy Pulido, UWDA member and 17-year-old high school student who will be voting for the first time in 2020 said: “We’re tired of overused and failed phrases that don’t address what our communities really need. Politicians have promised comprehensive immigration reform for many years, yet my parents are still undocumented and at risk of deportation. We need bold, detailed ideas from candidates that will mean permanent protections and allow families like mine to live and thrive without fear.”
Dhamaris Rodriguez, UWDA member and 18-year-old high school student said: “Today, we made it clear to the Democratic candidates that our lives are on the line. Thousands of people are getting deported from cities like Houston – the deportation capital of the United States. The questions we asked today are important because next year, voters will be deciding which leader could end the terror of the Deportation Force and provide a pathway to citizenship for millions, like me. As people at the center of these discussions, we will continue to push candidates to give us real solutions.”