There’s already been one viral moment for Ivanka Trump this Thanksgiving season—an admittedly ignoble one as Twitter users trolled her brand’s centerpiece idea for the festive holiday meal (the phrase “trash clam” was employed as a descriptor). Today, though, there’s another movement trending—and it has nothing to do with table decorations. Instead, celebrities are taking to Instagram to tag her in a post about the need to pass a clean DREAM Act for immigrant youth.
The DREAM Act is a bill designed to protect undocumented minors who receive legal status through the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program (DACA). The iteration re-introduced this year and up for a vote (it’s been around for years but hasn’t been passed) would give a conditional green card to those who currently receive protection under DACA—unless they don’t pass a background
check or maintain a clean record—and create a mechanism for undocumented children to get green cards, too. In the future, it would form a pathway for them to apply for permanent residency and citizenship, with a set of strict criteria for them to do so.
The “clean” part of passing the DREAM Act involves keeping its passage separate from other bills regarding immigration enforcement or border funding. However—because there is usually a “however” in these situations—the House has to pass a spending bill to fund the government by December 8, and Republican members don’t want a vote about Dreamers wrapped up in it. Instead, they’d like to keep it out of voting until the new year, when they have leverage: DACA as it stands will expire in March, thanks to President Donald Trump. Democrats, though, have said that they’ll keep their votes from a spending bill if DREAM-related legislation isn’t in there.
And that brings us back to these posts. Celebrities whom Ivanka follows are taking to Instagram to ask her to use her influence in the White House to change hearts and minds—presumably including those of her father, who has earned a reputation for switching positions on issues and over whom Ivanka is rumored to have some sway.
“Dear Ivanka,” the post begins. “I see you’re following me on Instagram. This Thanksgiving I would be grateful if you use the influence you have to advocate for a CLEAN Dream Act by December. Every day that passes without a clean Dream Act means anxiety and deportation for immigrant youth. 7,901 youth have already lost DACA and 122 more will use it each day. Thank you and Happy Holidays.”
Related Stories:
–Three Dreamers Explain the Stakes of Losing DACA
–Cher Proves She’s a National Treasure With Epic DACA Repeal Clapback
–‘OITNB’ Star Diane Guerrero Calls Trump’s DACA Decision ‘Disgusting’