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Thousands protest in DC for ‘No deportations!’

Militant/Sheila Lawrence

WASHINGTON — A youthful and spirited crowd of several thousand from as far away as California protested here Dec. 6 against the U.S. government’s decision to end Temporary Protected Status, which bars deportation of thousands of Haitian, Nicaraguan and Salvadoran immigrants. They also demanded extension of DACA, which gives work permits and protection from deportation to thousands of young students. Several unions joined the action, including Service Employees International Union Local 32BJ, Laborers’ International, UNITE HERE and United Food and Commercial Workers Local 888.

“My dream is that everyone in this country be equal and have the same opportunities,” said Ray Virgen, who came from Middletown, New York. “I want to fight for these things.” Socialist Workers Party members and other participants raised demands for “Amnesty now! No deportations!

— SHEILA LAWRENCE