'Know Your Rights' Workshops Will Offer Info & Legal Advice For DACA Recipients

By Stephen Gossett in News on Sep 5, 2017 5:44PM

DREAMers watch Attorney General Jeff Sessions' remarks on ending the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program / Getty Images / Photo: Drew Angerer

To say that Tuesday has been a day of disorientation and tumultuousness for recipients of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program (DACA) would be a gross understatement. Now, in the wake of the Trump administration announcement that the Obama order—which protects from deportation some 800,000 undocumented immigrants who were brought to the country as minors—will be phased out, a series of know-your-rights workshops have popped up to offer legal assistance and information to those hit by Attorney General Jeff Sessions' announcement.

The Resurrection Project announce a series of information sessions that will take place each Tuesday throughout September, beginning this evening. Attendees will "receive accurate information, legal consultations and assistance connecting with mental health providers," according to the organization. The dates, locations and times are as follows:
- Sept. 5: La Casa 1815 S. Paulina at 5:30 p.m.
- Sept. 12: Benito Juarez Academy 1450 W Cermak at 5:30 p.m.
- Sept. 19: La Casa 1815 S. Paulina St at 5:30 p.m.
- Sept. 26: Back of the Yards College Prep 2111 W. 47th street at 5:30 p.m.

An emergency know-your-rights workshop was also announced by the Erie Neighborhood House. That session takes place at 1347 W. Erie St. on Wednesday, Sept. 6 at 6 p.m.

Erie House said in a statement, "We believe President Trump’s decision to dismantle DACA is both cruel and irresponsible, forcing approximately 800,000 undocumented youth and young adults who are contributing members of American society to live in fear and legal limbo."

The Resurrection Project said on Tuesday of the rescission:

"We are extremely upset and heartbroken by POTUS action to rescind the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program in six months. DACA should not only be protected, it should be made permanent by Congress. Several bi-Partisan bills (DREAM, HOPE or RAC Acts) have already been introduced to protect “Dreamers” (the recipients of DACA). These nearly 800,000 Dreamers are not just contributing significantly to the social fabric of these United States but also to its economy. Research indicates that the overwhelming majority of Dreamers are gainfully employed as a result of finishing high school and college. Many others have sacrificed their lives in defense of the only country they know by joining the armed forces. Dreamers are opening businesses, creating jobs, buying homes, buying cars and PAYING TAXES."

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