An hour-long rally to support Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) locally and nationally will begin at 2 p.m. Sunday. The rally will begin at Columbus City Hall and include a mid-event march around the Bartholomew County Courthouse.
Michael Greven of Bartholomew County Indivisible is among several planners of the event, which is open to everyone. Bartholomew County Indivisible has participated in a range of local events recently, including the Dec. 16 public meeting for Not In Columbus, protesting local white supremacist activities.
An earlier DACA rally was conducted in Columbus the evening of Sept. 5, when 450 people gathered to show support for immigrants who arrived in America as children and whose futures may now be in jeopardy. Back then, President Donald Trump signed an executive order rescinding President Barack Obama’s 2012 executive order creating the DACA program, which allowed an estimated 780,000 undocumented immigrants known as “Dreamers” to stay in the United States.
Local sources have said about 9,000 people could be affected in Indiana.
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Since late summer, the topic has been the subject of considerable debate in Congress.
Some national news sources have reported that a measure could be put to a vote in Congress next week from a House bill that would limit family reunification immigration, end the diversity visa lottery program and authorize as much $70 billion for the construction of a Mexico border wall and provide a plan for the future for the immigration program.
“We need to come forth as a nation and be the best we can be,” Greven said. “And the best way we can do that is to support these kids. And I believe that most Americans do.”
The gathering will include at least a couple of local DACA students as speakers, Greven said, although event details were still being finalized Friday.
Sylvia Babcock, executive director of Su Casa Columbus, is also expected to speak, as she did at the previous rally.
Three local students and others spoke during the September event that included homemade signs and fiery remarks from clergy leaders. Some clergy also are expected to be part of Sunday’s program.
Planners are hoping to get at least 100 people to attend, although they recognize that weather could affect turnout. The forecast calls for some snow starting around noon. Temperatures are expected to be 40 degrees by 2 p.m., with wind chill of about 34 degrees.
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What: Public rally in support of local and national “Dreamers” — people who are part of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program providing legal protections for some individuals who arrived in the United States as children.
When: 2 p.m. Sunday.
Where: Beginning at City Hall, 123 Washington St., and moving to the Bartholomew County Courthouse, 234 Washington St., and back to the City Hall steps.
Organizers: Bartholomew County Indivisible, Su Casa Columbus and others.
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