On November 12, 2019, Faith in New Jersey was not only on the steps of the U.S. Supreme Court while they heard oral arguments on the Trump administration appeal to rescind Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA); we were on written record in the courtroom. We stood up for our beloved families across this country that were shown compassion through DACA by joining 126 other Religious Organizations in support of ensuring DACA remains. Although DACA is imperfect, not all inclusive of everyone we wish the program to apply to, and does not provide a clear path to citizenship; it provides hope and opportunity for over 700,000 people.
DACA permits God’s children that came to the US as children before 2007 the ability to be granted lawful presence, erasing the lurking fear of deportation due to the reduced likelyhood that comes with lawful presence. The ability to work, the most basic item to thrive in the US became attainable. DACA is a small way our government shows our country how to love thy neighbor. So on, September 2017 when the Trump administration announced it was rescinding DACA we knew we had to be prepared to fight and protect our neighbors. We held know your rights trainings, created our rapid response program, and worked nationally for immigration justice with La Red. Then on October 4th we added this statement to the Amicus Brief for the November 12, 2019 hearing to encourage DACA to remain and enforce our belief that a clear path to citizenship must be made.
Faith in New Jersey is a multi-faith and multi-racial organization representing over 170 congregations who advocate for racial, economic, and immigrant justice. Within our communities we develop grassroots community leaders, analyze the policies that shape our communities, and mobilize faith voices and faith voters to effectively act on the prophetic call to build the Beloved Community. Although our sacred texts vary; the way to love each other is clear. We love thy neighbor, welcome the stranger, and show up for those that have left their lands searching for a better life. We welcome the Dreamers with their endless immeasurable contributions to our communities now and the promise they bring of a brighter future. We believe that Dreamers must be given a clear path to citizenship, for that is love in action.
Full Amicus Brief HERE
This is one step towards building the Beloved Community I still believe in, one of hope, justice, fairness, opportunity, and love.
Charlene Walker, Executive Director
Faith in New Jersey 
Faith in New Jersey / DACA Moms 
Faith in New Jersey / DACA Moms 
Faith in New Jersey / DACA Moms 
Faith in Action Sibling Federation Congregation Action Network (DC/MD/VA) 
Faith in Action Sibling -Faith in Florida 
