DACA decision sparks protests

Posted on September 5, 2017
Illinois State University DACA protest
Students seen outside Schroeder Hall at Illinois State University protesting the decision to eliminate DACA. (Photo courtesy WMBD-TV)

By Sean Copeland

NORMAL– Shortly after Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced an end to DACA, rallies and protests began in central Illinois.

One took place on Illinois State University’s campus and another in Uptown Normal outside of U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis’ office.

PODCAST: Listen to Laughlin Scott’s interview with retired Illinois State University professor Bob Bradley. 

Protesters held signs with various messages. For example, one read, “We are all immigrants.” Rally participants presented a letter supporting DACA to Davis’ staff in Uptown Normal. In response, Davis (R-Taylorville) said we need comprehensive immigration reform.

“Our immigration system is broken and it cannot be fixed simply by circumventing Congress,” Davis said.

Illinois State University President Larry Dietz wrote a letter to students, faculty and staff saying he’s committed to inclusivity by in his words… ”continuing to admit, serve and support undocumented students as authorized by law.”

ISU retiree Diane Mather told news partner, WMBD-TV “These people have never known any other place to live. They don’t have another home. This is their home.”

Legislators say 800,000 ‘dreamers’ could be deported as a result of the decision.

Sean Copeland can be reached at [email protected]. 

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