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Gov. Greg Abbott Has Made Texas the Frontline of Fight Against Trump’s Deportation Machine

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After blocking DAPA’s implementation in 2014, Gov. Greg Abbott signed SB4, an unconstitutional law that will target communities of color and immigrants in Texas

Austin, TX – The Department of Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly announced yesterday that the administration is rescinding the Deferred Action for Parents of Americans (DAPA) program. DAPA, announced by President Obama in 2014, would have protected upwards of five million immigrants with citizen or long term resident children from deportation and provided them a work permit.

The policy was challenged by Texas Republican Governor Greg Abbott, then the state’s attorney general, in a political lawsuit that has kept millions of immigrants in limbo. Since the election of Donald Trump, Gov. Abbott has doubled down on his efforts to make Texas the frontline for Trump and Sec. Kelly’s deportation machine.

Said Mario Carrillo, America’s Voice Texas State Director:

Between blocking DAPA and now signing SB4, an unconstitutional law that will racially discriminate people of color, Gov. Abbott has made it clear that he will continue to be President Trump’s foot soldier and relentlessly attack immigrant communities in Texas.

We must not forget that it was Gov. Abbott who led the fight to block DAPA. Now, by signing SB4, he is trying to tear apart millions of Texas families who should have received deportation relief from the program.

Texas is a diverse state that is home to 1.7 million undocumented immigrants, and 11 million Latinos. SB4 puts all of them at risk and goes against the values of justice, freedom, and dignity that has made Texas a welcoming state to all. Advocates will continue to fight against hate and discrimination and to ensure that SB4 never terrorizes our communities.