Activists Storm Senate Office to Demand a Clean Immigration Act for Undocumented Youth

Two months ago, the Trump Administration announced the end of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) – a program that has protected about 800,000 young undocumented immigrants from deportation and afforded them the opportunity to work and attend school. At the time, President Donald Trump gave Congress six months to pass legislation to protect this community. But as more than 60 days have elapsed, we’re no closer to finding a solution. While some politicians may not feel the need for urgency since the deadline is in March, the undocumented community refuses to allow them to drag their feet.  Today, activists and immigrants across the country held protests and walk outs from school to let the administration know that they expect swift action.

That’s why students from around 30 schools in 10 states walked out to support a clean DREAM Act, that is a bill that will protect young undocumented immigrants without vilifying or punishing other undocumented immigrants. But the real center of the action was in Washington DC, where thousands showed up to the Hart Senate Office Building to put pressure on Speaker Paul Ryan and Sen. Mitch McConnell. Wearing orange shirts and carrying signs, they showed up in overwhelming numbers. They unfurled a giant banner reading, “Congress we demand a clean DREAM Act now!” as well as one in support of the Temporary Protected Status that Nicaragua already lost. The protests ended in the arrest of some of the activists.

Check out a few of the striking images and videos of today’s action: