Group finishes march for immigration reform
Hundreds are calling on Texas Gov. Greg Abbott to listen to immigrant families.
Jose Perez and his family came to Texas 17 years ago for a chance to live the American dream, but it hasn't been an easy run.
“It's hard for us to not be able to do just simple things, to not be able to get a driver's license or be able to open a bank account,” Perez said.
The Perez family is just one of many who are asking Governor Greg Abbott to keep the Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals policies. They are also known as D.A.P.A and D.A.C.A.
“Our family would benefit from D.A.P.A. that's why we are here fighting so we can keep our family together,” Perez said.
Over the last few days, a crowd with various backgrounds came together for a pilgrimage that led them to the governor's mansion downtown.
“It should be easier for people to matriculate into our country and become working, tax-paying citizens,” Bobby Tolbert, activist with Vocal New York, said.
“We want to tell Governor Abbott to meet with our families and listen to our stories,” Ana Gonzalez with the Workers Defense Project said.
November 20 marked the one year anniversary of the program imposed by President Obama. The order protected millions from deportation. Those on the other side of the argument say America has to do what it needs to, to keep the country safe. Governor Abbott filed a lawsuit, in an attempt to block D.A.P.A. and D.A.C.A. from going through in Texas.
“This is a country filled with immigrants and we shouldn't discriminate against any of the people who come here,” Tolbert said.
At this point, immigrant families can only wait to see how the governor responds.
“I hope that Governor Abbott will develop a conscience and that he will do whatever it takes to stop this lawsuit so D.A.P.A. can go forward,” Perez said.