Community,
In light of the Trump Administration’s recent announcement regarding the impending termination of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, the UNC School of Medicine Chapter of the Latino Medical Student Association (LMSA) would like to re-emphasize its strong support of undocumented immigrants and DACA recipients, express solidarity with our immigrant family members, and offer resources to empower your communities with information.
As members of the healthcare community, we recognize the importance of stable legal status on health, well-being, and access to opportunities. Undocumented immigrants and DACA recipients are an essential part of our community and are integral to the multicultural identity of the United States. By ending the DACA program, this administration has placed the future and wellbeing of 800,000 young immigrants in jeopardy. We do not support the notion that immigrants should be protected solely because of their utility to the American and global economies, but rather because of the shared humanity that connects us as family, friends, neighbors, and peers.
Listed below are resources for DACA recipients and supporters, compiled by UNC LMSA and the LMSA-West Policy Team, and information on what you can do to stand in solidarity with those who benefit from DACA. We strongly encourage taking a few moments to take action on this important issue.
- Call your elected officials: Ask them to defend DACA and Temporary Protected Status (TPS).
Find your Representative and Senator. - Text ‘resist’ to 50409, AKA Resistbot, to quickly deliver a message to congress with your phone.
- Visit United We Dream to find a rally near you and more resources.
- Immigrant Legal Resource Center’s Red Card detailing immigrant rights and how to assert them.
- Learn about how the DACA decision affects health and the healthcare community:
Immigration Status Has Health Implications for Young Latinos, Study Show
How DACA Affects the Health of America’s Children
How Trump’s Move to End DACA May Worsen the Doctor Shortage - If you are interested in becoming more involved with LMSA Policy, visit The Latino Medical Student Association.
Solidaridad,
UNC School of Medicine Latinx Medical Student Association