Among the approximately 80 Americans who lost their lives during the Hurricane Harvey disaster was rescuer Alonso Guillen, a Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipient who was killed when his rescue boat crashed into a bridge in the Houston, Texas area. He had driven more than 100 miles from his home to assist in recovery efforts. Guillen’s selflessness wasn’t unique. As Harvey hit Texas and the fate of DACA lingered in the air, the Houston affiliate of United We Dream and undocumented immigrant organizers rushed to their community’s side, raising money for last-minute DACA renewals and assisting neighbors and friends in Harvey relief:
It was a natural extension of the work the Houston group has been doing for the past four years, helping undocumented youth by hosting free legal clinics for DACA applicants or organizing protests and other actions to promote local policies that support undocumented families.
Donald Trump announced the end of DACA just days after Guillen’s death. In Texas—home to the second largest population of DACA youth in the nation—that and Harvey felt like a double blow. “Here in Houston, we had a lot of folks who lost everything during the hurricane,” said Oscar Hernandez, a DACA recipient and United We Dream organizer. “What does it mean to have to replace everything in your house, while also trying to get the $450 needed to file the [DACA renewal] application? So it’s been extremely challenging for undocumented youth across the country, but especially here in Houston.”
Harvey may have passed but the threat to DACA recipients remains if Congress is unable to pass the bipartisan DREAM Act soon. UWD Houston is still fighting hard. “Our community isn’t giving up,” Hernandez continued. “We’re going to continue to push for a clean Dream Act, but also make sure the whole undocumented community is empowered and protected. If you’re undocumented and feel fearful: Join us, reach out to us. We want to hear from you.” Advocates are planning a November 9 day of action in support of DREAM—click here for more information.