PILSEN — As President-elect Donald Trump prepares to "immediately" deport 3 million undocumented immigrants, a Pilsen non-profit will host a series of workshops and offer mental health services for immigrants this week.
The Resurrection Project in Pilsen will host workshops and conversations related to the future of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) order and offer free mental health services to those in distress.
A lot of people in Chicago's Latino community are "scared and confused," said Diana Pando, community outreach coordinator for The Resurrection Project. Chicago's Pilsen neighborhood is a historical point of entry for Mexican immigrants.
The free workshops, hosted at La Casa Resource Center, 1815 S. Paulina St., include:
• "You're Not Alone: Open Discussion" — 9:30 a.m.-11 a.m. Tuesday, an open discussion with mental health professionals available
• DACA Renewal Workshop — 3-8 p.m. Tuesday, legal services will be available
• "The Future of DACA Discussion" — 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, legal and mental health professionals available
• "The Future of DACA Discussion" — 10 a.m. Thursday, legal and mental health professionals available
In June 2015 when he announced his candidacy, Trump said Mexico was not "sending their best" and soon announced policy proposals that would include deportation for undocumented Hispanic immigrants.
As part of his campaign platform, Trump promised to work to build a physical wall at the Mexican border, to deport 11 million undocumented immigrants, to end sanctuary cities in the U.S. and repeal President Obama's Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) order.
On Sunday, Trump said during an interview on CBS' 60 Minutes that he would "immediately" deport up to 3 million immigrants who are "criminal and have criminal records," citing "gang members, drug dealers."
Raul Raymundo, Resurrection Project executive director, wrote in a letter last week that he was deeply concerned that Trump continued to make immigrants scapegoats post-election. Raymundo said that Trump's promise to eliminate DACA, also known as the Dreamers executive order, is immoral, not politically smart and makes no economic sense.
"Most Dreamers are part of mixed status families that include U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents who are in school and/or working to make this country stronger," Raymundo said. "Dreamers are contributors to the economy not takers. As such we must actively support their current status. Their contributions to the social fabric of this country is contagious."
On Sunday, Mayor Rahm Emanuel said Chicago will remain a Sanctuary City.
"Chicago has been a city of immigrants since it was founded. We have always welcomed people of all faiths and backgrounds, and while the [White House] administration will change, our values and our commitment to inclusion will not," Emanuel said.
Ald. Danny Solis (25th), who represents Pilsen and Chinatown, said last week that Chicago will use all municipal powers and authority to protect its undocumented immigrants.
"We need to be worried about it, but we absolutely cannot despair," Solis said.
[The Resurrection Project]
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