WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Congressman Hank Johnson today joined FWD.us and two directly impacted Georgians – a TPS holder and DACA recipient – to discuss the importance of passing a permanent legislative solution for immigrants in Georgia. The call took place ahead of a fly-in happening this Wednesday, when more than 75 Dreamers, TPS holders, and DED recipients will travel to Washington, DC, to meet with lawmakers and advocate for protections for these vital communities.

“The fact is that comprehensive immigration reform is long overdue,” said Rep. Johnson, who is a senior member of the Judiciary Committee. “Our nation’s immigration system is fundamentally broken and has been for years. Hardworking families in Georgia and across the U.S. are hurting and kept apart, suffering needlessly, and our global competitiveness is suffering, too, without the passage of real, meaningful reform. My Democratic colleagues and I will continue to prioritize protecting Dreamers and TPS holders – because it’s the right thing to do for them and their families, for our economy, and for communities in Georgia and across the United States.”

Congressman Hank Johnson was joined by Roxana Chicas, a TPS holder who came to the United States from El Salvador 32 years ago. She is a mother and a nurse who is working toward her Ph.D. at Emory University, and a vital member of her community. A new video detailing Roxana’s personal story was released today. Also joining the call was Cinthya Moran, a DACA recipient who came to the U.S. 16 years ago at the age of three, and who is a health care technician who dreams of studying to become a surgeon.

“The United States has provided a safe space for me to thrive,” said Roxana Chicas. “I am a public health nurse and researcher just one year away from earning a Ph.D. in nursing, and I have a family and children who depend on me. All that could be ripped away from me if I lose TPS. I am so thankful for the many loving and supportive Americans who have helped me get this far. Now I need Congress to help me keep going and protect the dream.”

“I graduated with Honors from high school, but because of the uncertainty surrounding DACA, my hard work could all be at risk,” said Cinthya Yamileth Moran Leal. “I have so much to contribute to this amazing country, and I just want the opportunity to achieve my full potential. There are so many Dreamers like me who will be able to achieve incredible things and give back so much if we are just given the chance. We need Congress to help make our dreams a reality.”

Both Roxana and Cinthya will be joining a group of more than 75 participants in Washington, DC, on Wednesday to advocate for legislation to permanently protect the more than 1 million Dreamers, TPS holders, and DED recipients who are at risk of deportation because of the actions of the Trump Administration.

“FWD.us is proud to lift up the voices of these incredible Georgians who are making our state and our country stronger, and we are grateful to Congressman Johnson for his leadership,” said Sam Aguilar, FWD.us Georgia State Director. “Cinthya and Roxana represent a much larger community of Dreamers, TPS holders, and DED recipients across the country who have been in the U.S. for decades, and who are employed, paying taxes, launching businesses that employ U.S. citizens, pursuing higher education, and contributing to the social and cultural fabric of our communities. This is their home, and their lives are filled with chaos and uncertainty that only Members of Congress can remedy.”