Each week we will provide you with a rundown of top news stories and must-read articles.

Headlines

Time for Congress to pass DREAM Act

President Trump says he will end Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) if Congress does not act. DACA recipients are Americans. It is time for Congress to pass the DREAM Act in order to protect dreamers.

THE ACLU’S TAKE

Anti-abortion measure hidden in tax bill

In the recent draft of the tax reform bill,  Senate Republicans hid language that is aimed at eroding abortion rights. The language tries to establish personhood for embryos and fetuses. This move is part of the continual attack on constitutional rights established in Roe v. Wade.

THE ACLU’S TAKE

Trump administration targets disabled DACA recipient

The Trump administration has detained a disabled undocumented immigrant for a month without charging him. Felipe Abonza-Lopez, a DACA recipient, has been mocked and treated cruelly during his prolonged detainment. Felipe’s situation is part of a disturbing erosion of immigration and disability rights under the Trump administration.

Two weeks ago, the ACLU helped secure the release of Rosa Maria Hernandez. As a 10-year old girl with cerebral palsy, Rosa Maria’s detainment sparked outrage from the nation and action from the ACLU.

South Carolina will stop jailing people for unpaid fines

In the past, South Carolina would jail you if you couldn’t pay government fines like traffic tickets. This practice, which essentially jailed people for being poor, will now come to an end. 

Each week we will provide you with a rundown of top news stories and must-read articles.

Headlines

Justice for Rosa Maria

Rosa Maria, a 10-year old undocumented girl with cerebral palsy, has been detained by immigration officers and may face deportation. Last week, Rosa Maria received emergency surgery while armed immigration agents waited outside to take her into custody. The ACLU sued the government, arguing that the immigration officers illegally detailed Rosa Maria.

THE ACLU’S TAKE

TAKE ACTION

Fighting for disability rights and immigration rights

Many of the undocumented immigrants detained in the United States have mental or physical disabilities. Rosa Maria’s treatment is a reminder that fighting for disability rights also means fighting for immigrant rights.

THE ACLU’S TAKE

Puerto Rico still in need

Six weeks after Hurricane Maria became the second major hurricane to pummel Puerto Rico, the island is still in desperate need of aid. This week, the United Nations raised concerns over the United States slow response to the disaster as much of the island is without potable water or electricity. 

John Kelly concocts dangerous account of Civil War

This week, Donald Trump’s Chief of Staff, John Kelly, claimed that the Civil War was caused by a “lack of ability to compromise”. The Civil War was caused by slavery and there should have been no compromise on slavery. John Kelly’s claims were inaccurate and ignorant.

THE ACLU’S TAKE