DACA - Speaking Up for the Dreamers

DACA...

Also known as the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals.

There's been a lot of talk on both sides about DACA recently. The loudest voice has been that of President Trump, who this past week rescinded the DACA program, charging Congress with the task of creating policy to fix the program.

I could say so much about this.

I could list the many scriptures that encourage us to welcome and care for the alien, stranger or immigrant, depending on your favorite translation of the bible.

In fact, according World Relief Global...

"The Bible has a lot to say about immigrants and immigration. In fact, the Hebrew word ger, the closest word to our concept of an immigrant, appears 92 times in the Old Testament alone."

I could also quote what pastors, leaders, politicians and entertainers are saying about DACA. 

Again, there's so much I could say about this issue.

But today, I'll keep it short by sharing a poem I saw hanging on the walls of The Center for Civil and Human Rights in Atlanta. 

It's a poem written by Martin Niemoller, a prominent German Protestant pastor who emerged as an outspoken foe of Adolf Hitler and spent the last seven years of Nazi rule in concentration camps.

This poem is a reminder that whenever I have the opportunity to speak up for the rights of another human being, I must speak.

It's a reminder that whenever YOU have the opportunity to speak up for the rights of another human being, you too must speak...

First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out -

Because I was not a Socialist.

Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out -

Because I was not a Trade Unionist.

Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out -

Because I was not a Jew.

Then they came for me -

And there was no one left to speak for me.

Martin Niemoller, Holocaust Survivor

The day may come when we desperately need someone to speak for us. 

Until then, may we speak out for those who need our voices today.