We stand with our DREAMers
Friends of HDF,
We have all heard the devastating news that the Trump administration has eliminated DACA - the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. This news ushers in heartache for the families and students we serve - young women and men who have grown up in our communities and are now pursuing higher education and working to support their families, fulfilling the American dream step-by-step through their efforts each day.
Now, their dreams of improving their lives and their communities are uncertain. In the face of fear, we stand with these students and their families.
Our country was founded by immigrants, built by immigrants, and continues to thrive through immigrants' contributions in every field - the arts, medicine, social services, engineering and construction, and more. We are all connected to this legacy of immigration, in one way or another. To punish children for the decisions of their parents is unjust, and it is un-American.
The Hispanic Development Fund will fight for the future of the families we serve. To that end:
- We will continue to support all Hispanic students regardless of immigration status through our Hispanic Development Fund Scholarship Program. Watch this video to see what the HDF Scholarship Program means to DACA students..
- We will thoughtfully consider how we can use our grantmaking to improve the lives of Kansas City's immigrants and refugees.
- We will elevate the voice of the immigrant and refugee communities in our work across Kansas City and the nation, building consensus as we work to find solutions to the issues at hand.
You can stand with the Hispanic community during this uncertain time. Contact your lawmakers to request a DACA replacement. Our students are counting on us.
Regardless of the winds of the time, we remain committed to our mission: to improve the quality of life of Latino families in Greater Kansas City. Please join us as we help our students accomplish their goals and build a better life for their families and communities.
Con Fe,
Ramón Murguía
Chairman of the Board
Greater Kansas City Hispanic Development Fund