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Christian Dreamers to Trump: How You Speak About Us Matters

Ahead of the State of the Union, Dreamers Emphasize Positive Contributions

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today Christian Dreamers are calling for the president’s language in his State of the Union address to reflect the hard work and strong character they add to our country — and their God-given value.

Members of Voices of Christian Dreamers are available for interview today and following tonight’s address. The group estimates that at least 600,000 Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients identify as Christians, including about 200,000 evangelical Christians.

The following are quotes from Christian Dreamers:

Liz Dong, Midwest Mobilizer, Evangelical Immigration Table, Wheaton, Illinois:
“As the president prepares for his State of the Union and potentially address Dreamers in his message, we hope that he will speak of us for who we are: individuals who have grown up in this country and have found a home here. We hope that he will speak of all immigrants and refugees, who are made in the image of God, with dignity and respect. We hope too that he will be true to his words and work with Congress quickly to find a permanent and inclusive solution on Dreamers.”

Adriana Mondragon, Ministry Leader, Emmaus Church of Santa Ana, California:
“As our president gives his State of the Union, may he consider the impact of his words as he refers to any particular group of people, for words are powerful and can strengthen or tear up our nation. As a Dreamer, my hope and prayer is that our president will have the courage and character to follow through with his word to collaborate with Congress for a realistic and fair solution that will lift the bar limiting my God-given abilities and gifts to impact the world for better.”

Fia Vonjimalala, Director of Children’s Ministries, YouthHope, Moline, Illinois:
“I hope that President Trump would speak of the positive contributions we, as Dreamers and immigrants, make in the community: how we are hardworking and how the diversity we bring adds to the richness of American culture and economy. Immigrants serve as assets in the workforce thanks to the diversity of backgrounds, language, culture and experiences we bring. Lastly, I hope that President Trump would speak of us Dreamers as people who desire the well-being of the U.S., as law-abiding residents who pay taxes and whose desire is to contribute to this great nation and to be fully recognized as Americans — because we love this country.”

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Voices of Christian Dreamers is a grassroots, Dreamers-led movement committed to changing the conversation about undocumented immigrants in the Church and beyond, through highlighting biblical teaching, personal stories and other helpful resources.

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