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Monterey County declared a 'Dreamers County'

September 12, 2017

On the heels of President Trump's move to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, better known as DACA, the Monterey County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to pass a resolution that declares the county a "Dreamers County" on Tuesday.

Supervisor Luis Alejo, who represents District 1 that includes the city of Salinas, proposed the resolution, which also urges Congress to move forward on legislation that codifies DACA into law.

DACA allows eligible young adults who were brought here illegally as children to stay in the U.S., avoiding deportation.

DACA recipients, also known as Dreamers, are eligible to enroll in college and receive a driver's license and work permit.

President Trump has given Congress six months to come up with a replacement program. Otherwise, DACA will be phased out, and no new applications will be accepted.

Alejo said the resolution is meant to support DACA recipients and young people who are undocumented.

"Monterey County is home to thousands of young Dreamers and it is critical to declare our strong support for them especially after President Trump's draconian action to rescind DACA," said Alejo.

Supervisor John Phillips said ending DACA is likely to have a negative impact on Monterey County, including economically.

"The only positive coming out of this is pushing Congress to do what they should have done a long time ago," Phillips said, referring comprehensive immigration reform.

At Tuesday's meeting, at least a dozen members of the public expressed their support for the resolution during public comment. In doing so, some said they are also supporting the immigrant community at large.

Monterey County's two key industries, agriculture and hospitality, depend heavily on workers, many of them immigrants both documented and undocumented.

Local impact

Alejo said at least one in 12 Dreamers are based in California. Hartnell College in Salinas has close to almost 900 students who are Dreamers, a roughly 200 percent increase from a few years ago.

The impact on Dreamers has been immediate, especially on an emotional level, said Bronwyn Moreno, Director of Student Affairs at Hartnell College. Moreno also leads Mi CASA, a center at Hartnell for undocumented students.

Many students are fearful of the impact on their family members.

"It's 'How will my parents pay their rent?' and 'How will I continue to work and support my family?'" Moreno said.

The majority of Dreamers at Hartnell juggle work, school and supporting their family, said Moreno.

Others are asking, "Why am I getting a college degree and sacrificing so much for a degree if I'm not going to be eligible for work?" said Moreno.

Adriana Gonzalez, a Dreamer and Hartnell College student, said she can't stress "enough how hard this week has been to me and fellow students at Hartnell College."

"We often feel like our dreams are about to expire," she said, thanking the supervisors for the resolution. She said the Dreamers like herself want to continue contributing to society.

Alejo isn't the only locally elected politician who has been vocal in declaring his support for DACA. Santa Cruz County is considering a similar resolution, and last Saturday, Rep. Jimmy Panetta held a forum on the topic at Hartnell College along with Hartnell President Will Lewallen to show their support for DACA and Dreamers.

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Rep. Jimmy Panetta discusses the recent decision to end DACA at Hartnell College on Saturday. (Photo: Provided/Osbaldo Lucero)

Panetta is "focused on passing a legislative solution in Congress that would allow DREAMers to continue to live in and contribute to our country," he wrote in an email.

Panetta added that he is working to pass legislation similar to The DREAM Act, "a bipartisan and bicameral bill, which would provide a pathway to citizenship for these kids."

"For those in the community who are undocumented, it is scary times," said Salinas resident Cesar Lara, who also represents Building Healthy Communities and the Monterey Bay Central Coast Labor Council.

Lara continued:

"I think it's important in helping our community in Monterey County understand that Dreamers are part of this community and they need to be supported…It's a statement and reassurance that at least the local government supports them."

Issues:Immigration