MASSAPEQUA PARK – Hundreds of young immigrants walked 12 miles from Bay Shore to Republican Rep. Peter King’s office in Massapequa Park Thursday, demanding protection against deportation.
They urged Rep. King to pass a clear path to citizenship for the thousands of immigrants living on Long Island.
Marcy Suarez, a “Dreamer” protected under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, told News 12 that it was heartbreaking that her future was “not secure at the moment.”
President Donald Trump ended the Obama-era program that protected children brought to the U.S. illegally, and gave Congress until March to come up with a legislative solution.
“At the moment, we are being used as a business deal. That is totally inhumane and that’s why this rally is super important to me,” said Suarez.
March organizers “Make the Road New York” says Rep. King has 1,900 “Dreamers” in his district, and they are not getting the support they need.
“This is a moment where they need to stand up away from the politics and really stand where a majority of Long Islanders stand, which is 80 percent of people favor giving Marcy and the youth like her a path to residency,” says Walter Barrientos, of Make the Road New York.
The congressman says he does, in fact, support the “Dreamers,” but there needs to be a bill that’s good for the entire nation.
“If it’s just to protect those who came in here as young children and they are innocent victims, let’s protect them,” said Rep. King. “But let’s make sure it doesn’t open up to others who somehow use it to their advantage. In the end, it will be debated and voted on and they should be working with me along the way.”
To view the original article, click here.