Cecile Richards: DREAMers are part of the Planned Parenthood family

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The Trump administration just announced a plan to end Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) — an attack that will leave 800,000 young people who have grown up in this country at risk of deportation, including members of the Planned Parenthood community.

I'm infuriated. I'm heartbroken. But I’m sure about one thing: Planned Parenthood stands with DREAMers, the young people in this community who are the future of this country. DACA has helped so many young DREAMers access health care, get driver's licenses, receive an education, and work to provide for their families — and without DACA, their fate and ability to remain in this country is unknown.

Make no mistake. The termination of DACA and the relentless attacks against immigrants by the Trump administration are rooted in racism and fueled by white supremacist ideology. By caving to the will of 11 extreme state officials who threatened to sue Donald Trump if he did not rescind DACA, the Trump administration continues to follow through on harsh attacks against immigrant communities.

What’s more? The consequences of being undocumented can contribute to a culture of fear in immigrant communities, and keep too many from seeking the lifesaving care they need. The repeal of DACA only further heightens this fear and solidifies barriers to care.

But we are resolved to fight back against this cruel and heartless decision — and I hope you are, too.

Here at Planned Parenthood, we believe that every person has the right to live, work, and raise a family freely and without the threat of deportation or separation. We believe in every person's right to control their own destiny and their own body. And we stand with our allies who are leading this fight and will never stop fighting for this vision. Protecting immigrant families from inhumane attacks, assault, and deportations is critical to making that vision a reality.

Right now, that means standing with immigrant youth and their families, and I'm calling on every Planned Parenthood supporter to stand with us, because together we fight for all. Learn how you can stand with immigrant families in your community, or get answers to what happens next if you're affected by this decision, by visiting WeAreHereToStay.org.

Health has no borders. DREAMers are a part of the Planned Parenthood family — and we will fight for their safety and protection, no matter what.

Sincerely,

— Cecile Richards

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