Southwest Ranches, FL – This week, Florida State Representative Evan Jenne joined Florida immigrant youth to discuss how the repeal of DACA will affect immigrant youth and their families and to commit to pushing policies locally and nationally to protect the 800,000 Dreamers from deportation.
Florida State Representative Evan Jenne said:
I was already an ardent supporter of the DREAM Act, and the Dreamer Dinner event is a reminder that these are people, not statistics. Doing away with DACA will tear apart families.
Daniel Escalante, DACA-recipient and Florida International University student, said:
It was a pleasure to have met with State Representative Evan Jenne. Throughout our conversation, the Representative reaffirmed his commitment to support Dreamers like my brothers and me, and promised to keep fighting for immigrant communities across the state of Florida. It is elected officials like Representative Jenne who exemplify true leadership in the Florida House of Representatives by demonstrating deep understanding and care for the issues impacting our great state.
David Escalante, DACA-recipient and Florida International University student, said:
State Representative Evan Jenne is a good example of the type of ally Dreamers need at the state and national level. His commitment and willingness to stand up for Dreamers and the Dream Act shows that he is willing to work towards a permanent solution that would allow me, an aspiring American, to realize my full potential in this country.
Currently a student at Florida International University, Daniel Escalante is the second of three children and has been able to resume his education thanks to the DACA program. Daniel’s hopes are to become a teacher and help children learn and discover their potential. Born in Venezuela, Daniel hopes that the federal government will authorize the Dream Act so that he may fulfill his dreams.
The youngest of the Escalante brothers, David is currently working a full-time retail job while attending Florida International University. David hopes to pursue a career in business, which is why he has devoted equal times to his work and academics – engaging in hands-on learning while reviewing the concepts that will hopefully lead him to business school. David hopes the Dream Act will be signed into law so that he can continue to expand his knowledge in the business field and help give back to his family and community.
The DACA program is an unqualified success, providing new opportunities and futures for nearly 800,000 Dreamers who live, study, and work in America, including 102,000 who are DACA-eligible in Florida. Each DACA recipient has come forward, passed a background check and been granted permission to live and work legally in America. As a result, many have been able to fulfill their dreams of attending and completing college; most are working legally, paying taxes and providing for their families; and all are finding ways to contribute to the country they call home without fear of deportation.
The “Dreamer Dinners” initiative invites Senators, Congressman, and local elected officials to join an immigrant family for a meal to discuss how federal immigration actions impact children, families, and communities. This campaign is a spinoff of the “DAPA Dinners Campaign” – read more about that initiative here.
