TALLAHASSEE, FL – FWD.us Florida State Director Ted Hutchinson released the following statement today, which marks two years since the Trump Administration announced their intent to end the DACA program and put 700,000 young people – including 32,800 Floridians – at risk of losing their work authorization and being deported:
“September 5 represents two years since the Trump Administration's harmful attempts to end DACA, a vital program that has enabled nearly 700,000 hardworking young people to contribute even more fully to our country and our economy in the only country most have ever known as home. DACA has allowed hundreds of thousands of young people to achieve their dream of higher education, buy a home or start their own business, further their careers, and provide for their families. DACA has been an overwhelming success in every respect.
“While multiple courts have kept renewals ongoing for current DACA recipients, they’ve been forced to live court case to court case, uncertain about their futures and in fear of being separated from their families and the lives they have built. We encourage DACA recipients who are eligible to renew to do so without delay, and we urge members of Congress to do their jobs and pass a permanent legislative solution that would provide DACA recipients the certainty to continue building their lives here.”
Learn more about DACA renewals here.
Available for Comment
The following individuals are available for comment on the second anniversary of the Trump administration’s attempt to end DACA:
Ted Hutchinson (Miami, FL)
Florida State Director, FWD.us
Ted Hutchinson is the Florida State Director for FWD.us, a bipartisan political organization that believes America’s families, communities, and economy thrive when more individuals are able to achieve their full potential. A former Congressional legislative counsel, federal lobbyist, and organizer Ted brings institutional knowledge and a pragmatic approach to political campaigns. Ted handled Congresswoman Sandra Jackson Lee’s portfolio when she served on the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration. Before joining FWD.us, Ted also worked as Assistant Public Defender, and Associate Director of Public Relations for the American Association for Justice, previously known as the Association of Trial Lawyers of America. A graduate of Colgate University & The University of Florida Levin College of Law, Ted brings a range of experience and expertise to his advocacy work.
Claudia Jimenez (Orlando, FL)
Shift Supervisor, Panera Bread
Claudia Jimenez immigrated to the United States at the age of eight. Claudia looks forward to her upcoming graduation and hopes for the opportunity to renew her DACA status in order to work and continue her studies in law. This will be instrumental in helping to realize her dream of becoming an immigration attorney and continue to serve her community. Claudia received her Bachelor of Science in Political Science from the University of Central Florida.
Daniel Escalante (Miramar, FL)
Student, Florida International University
As political turmoil was inevitable in his home country of Venezuela, Daniel Escalante along with his two brothers, mother, and father, left their home seeking a better life in the United States. After their immigration case was mishandled by an attorney, the Escalante family was left in a state of limbo. After six years of legal fees and taxes, Daniel had the hard truth exposed to him, he was undocumented. Thanks to former President Obama´s DACA program, Daniel could continue his path to becoming a teacher. DACA allowed Daniel to attend Miami Dade College, where he obtained his associate's degree, providing him the opportunity to attend Florida International University. aria
David Escalante (Miramar, FL)
Apple Store Associate
David Escalante and his family moved to the United States in the year 2000 after his parents deemed Venezuela and unfit place to raise a family and provide them with a safe and nurturing future. David and his family learned in 2006 that their immigration lawyer mishandled their case and that they would no longer be able to access a proper path to citizenship. Despite this setback, David was able to graduate high school right before President Obama announced the DACA program in June of 2012. DACA enabled David to begin college with in-state tuition costs and find a job to financially support himself and his family.
Maria Del Pilar Rodriguez (Ocala, FL)
Chiropractic/Physiotherapy Assistant
Maria Del Pilar Rodriguez is a Chiropractic/ Physiotherapy Assistant, who is currently taking a gap year to work and apply to dental schools. DACA has given Maria the opportunity to live her life without the worry of not being able to do anything because of my immigration status. It has given her an opportunity to obtain her degree and continue to pursue further education. It has also allowed her to support herself and contribute to her living and education expenses by allowing her to work legally. Because she can obtain a driver's license, this has allowed her to get to class and work safely and without fear. DACA has given her a sense of security in a very uncertain and trying time and a sense of confidence and control over her future and her life.
