- Slug: BC-CNS-DACA Attorney Forum, 400 words
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By Courtney Mally
Cronkite News
PHOENIX- After President Trump’s official DACA decision was announced earlier this week, DREAMers now turn their focus to what could be next for them.
DACA recipients and supporters came together at a local church in Phoenix on Wednesday to learn more about the president’s latest policy changes. Hosted by Daniel Rodriguez, a DREAMer himself at one point and Arizona’s first undocumented attorney, he made sure DREAMers know they still have a voice.
“We have to continue to fight, we have to continue to push, we have to continue to demand and ask for more,” Rodriguez said. “Just like we were able to win DACA in 2012, now that DACA is done, we have to continue to fight and ask for something bigger at the national level.”
Rosa Rodriguez, a DREAMer and Daniel’s sister, came to the United States when she was 3-years-old.
“I am here supporting DREAMers, I am here supporting the attorneys and everybody willing to help DREAMers get where they want to be,” Rosa said. “With DACA, I was able to get a job. I have a son and I have been able to get a job to help him and take care of him…it’s opened a lot of opportunities to me.”
While the decision of what happens with DACA now rests potentially in the hands of Congress, Rodriguez says becoming informed is the best thing DREAMers can do to defend themselves.
“As an attorney I have to provide my clients with as much information as possible, and help them as fast as I can especially during these times,” Rodriguez said.
For both Daniel and Rosa, the next six months are going to be busy.
“I’m going to be working hard with [my brother] to help a lot of DREAMers with their renewals,” Rosa said. “Fight with us. I encourage all of you guys to fight and and be informed of what’s going on around you.”
On Saturday September 16, 2017 Daniel A. Rodriguez Law Offices will be hosting a free renewal drive for DACA permits expiring before March 5, 2018 at First Church UCC, located at 1407 N. 2nd Street in Downtown Phoenix. The drive will start be from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
