NOTE: The following is a statement from Mayor Jeremy Stutsman on the White House Administration’s decision to rescind DACA. For more information, go to goshenindiana.org/daca or contact Communications Coordinator Sharon Hernandez at 537.3883.

Dear Residents of the Community of Goshen,

I am deeply saddened by the actions of the White House Administration. Recently, they announced that the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Program, known better as DACA, will be discontinued. This is a giant setback for everyone. All of our children should feel welcome and safe in a country that we all call home. The Administration has continued to emphasize that immigrants are taking jobs. At a time in Elkhart County when we are short 20,000+ workers, we need immigrants. Jobs are not taken, they are earned.

I will be talking with Congresswoman Walorski and Senators Donnelly and Young, and requesting that they give this issue immediate attention and work together to ensure a legislative solution in the next 6 months that protects and honors the DACA recipients and all they have contributed to our community and country. These are people who were brought here as young children, who have been educated here and are now young adults; this is the only home they have ever known. Many serve as leaders in our community contributing to our daily success. They are going to college, becoming police officers and paramedics and helping to build our communities in many ways. As some leading Republicans in Washington DC have said boldly “They are as American as anyone else, but without a piece of paper.”

This is why it is urgent and vitally important that we urge Congresswoman Walorski and Senators Donnelly and Young to stand up and do what is right for this country, and refuse to push it down the road. The lives of more than 800,000 DACA recipients now hang in the balance. We need this issue solved now. Congresswoman Walorski and Senators Donnelly and Young: our families, our neighborhoods and our communities are counting on you!

I was elected to help makethe lives of every resident of Goshen better, safer and to help create a more inclusive community. I continue to stand with my community members, friends and neighbors. I stand with those who have supported our businesses and community for so many years. I support our community schools and college as they continue to offer safe spaces for all. I stand with the US and Goshen Chamber of Commerce in their support of DACA. I stand with our youth and their families. I continue to support each and every person in this community regardless of your position on immigration.

We are all immigrants and we need to stand together. We benefit from this community’s economy, we enjoy the many great immigrant-owned businesses serving and contributing to our community and we value the protection of children and young adults. Please contact your congressional representatives and ask them to protect the DACA program and work towards immigration reform.

And maybe most importantly, share your support with your neighbors and anyone you know who is part of DACA.

With Great Respect,

Mayor Jeremy Stutsman