On Friday, a federal judge in Texas issued a ruling affecting the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, blocking initial applicants. A reaction from Iowa MMJ board secretary, Cecilia Martinez: “DACA recipients and the broader immigrant community have been on a roller coaster of emotions since DACA was created in 2012. This constant back and forth disrupts people’s lives, causes confusion and is exhausting. This decision is the latest political ploy that leaves people living under real threats. It is difficult, especially in these stressful times, to keep moving forward but we must. Enough is enough. We need protection for all undocumented immigrants in this country. Our fight will not end with DACA and will only continue with our collective efforts to seek justice for all affected by the United States' immigration and criminal justice system. It’s time for Congress to act and pass real pathways to citizenship for Dreamers, TPS holders, farm workers and essential workers.”

Did you see our Facebook video where we toured the Iowa MMJ office and gave you an inside look at the vital services we provide? Check out the video, donate here and consider a planned gift to Iowa MMJ. Planned giving is a method of fundraising for the future and is a simple way to leave a legacy of your values in action. These planned gifts can provide tax benefits for you and your family while sustaining the vital work that we do with immigrants and refugees in Iowa. If you would like to make a lasting investment in the mission and vision of Iowa MMJ, think about a planned gift. Call our Development Director to learn more about all the giving options at 815-228-1602 or email at aguardado@iowammj.org.

Leadership development, civics training and public education are priorities for Iowa MMJ as we work to make our vision of an Iowa that is welcoming and inclusive for all! 

• Saturday, July 31st 10am-4pm in Des Moines: Building Our Power: The Basics of Community Organizing- This interactive training is for people new to organizing, who want to learn more about how to fight for our basic human rights, how to build power and how to run local issue campaigns. Contact our Community Organizer to learn more at amurguiaortiz@iowammj.org. 
• Iowa MMJ 1st Fridays Lunch & Learn: DACA- Register here to join us on Friday, August 6th at 12pm to hear current updates related to DACA and how you can join the fight to win permanent protections and a pathway to citizenship for Dreamers, TPS holders, farm workers and essential workers!