Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/905854
WINTER 2017 | ADVOCATE 29 Social Justice more than 3,000 DACA recipients in 46 states, found that 45 percent of them are in school, and of those who are in school, 72 percent are pursuing a bachelor's degree or higher. "Young, aspiring Americans contributing to our culture and economy should not be targeted for deportation," said AFT Executive Vice President Mary Cathryn Ricker. "And yet, the Trump administration's decision to rescind DACA protections for hundreds of thousands of students, teachers, nurses and other members of our communities introduces that threat and puts immigrant communities in a constant state of fear. The AFT will do everything to support and protect our students, our colleagues, our neighbors—regardless of their immigration status and we will stand and advocate alongside all our partners just as committed." The decision to end DACA is jeopardizing the lives and futures of the 800,000 participants in the program, including 20,000 educators working with students in our nation's public schools today. Many are consumed by stress and anxiety about what the future holds for them, their families, and their students as well. Phoenix Union Classified EA member Hugo Arreola speaks at an NEA Dream Act press event at the U.S. Capitol.