Kansas City area DACA recipients and immigration attorneys react to Thursday’s 5-4 decision to uphold the program, which grants temporary protection from deportation for those brought to the United States without authorization as children.
by Laura Ziegler and Jodi Fortino, KCUR and Kansas News Service
Thousands of so-called “Dreamers” in Kansas and Missouri will be protected for the time being.
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled Thursday that the Trump administration could not move forward with its plan to end the 2012 program known as DACA, or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals.
Kansas City attorney Rekha Sharma-Crawford has counseled hundreds of immigrants about the program in the last eight years.
“For the hundreds or maybe even thousands of DACA recipients here locally, this is a day of relief, that they can finally feel like that constant waiting on the judge’s decision is over,” she said.
There are more than 6,800 DACA recipients in the state of Kansas and more than 3,500 in Missouri, according to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Immigration lawyers, activists, and advocates, however, believe those numbers do not reflect the total number who came to the country at a young age and are now currently working or studying in the United States.
The 5-4 decision does not indefinitely clear DACA recipients. Sharma-Crawford said the administration has the power to come back at a later time and undo the program.
“I don’t think there is time during this administration, especially with the election so close,” she said. “But Dreamers are still at risk as long as Congress fails to act. So the Supreme Court today offered a ray of sunshine in a very dark time but I don’t think it’s all over yet.”
The DREAM Act was first introduced into Congress in 2001. It was designed to allow temporary legal status to immigrants who entered the United States as minors and meet certain criteria. Despite years of debate, Congress has failed to pass the law.
Maria Franco is a senior engineering student at UMKC and a DACA recipient. She moved to the U.S. from Mexico with her family when she was 2 years old For Franco, the ruling doesn’t mean activists can relax. She says there will still be fear among DACA recipients because it’s clear there are those who still want to overturn the program.
“It’s a big sigh of relief, for sure, because now we don’t have to worry until they try it again,” she said in response to the Supreme Court ruling. “It’s a little scary. The fact that the ruling was five to four means there are four judges that are supporting Trump basically.”
Franco said the Trump administration’s attempts to block DACA have impacted many of her friends, who are now not allowed to apply.
“I’m trying to talk to some lawyers to see, ‘Hey guys, when can we start having new applicants apply?’ Because I know so many kids that need to apply to the program so they can stay at least protected for a little bit,” she said. “Even if it is for two years, so they can go to college and get a job so they can pay for school.”
Franco said the recent protests in support of the black community will help those Latino activists and their allies.
“More people are going to start pushing forward DACA and the immigrants,” she said. “We’re getting a team to try to advocate for that and see what we can do since Black Lives Matter is also on board and there is so much going on in the world right now.”
Complicated logistics for the young adults who have received DACA
The DACA program applies to those who came to the United States before they were 16 in 2012, and have lived here for at least 5 years. Recipients have to have been enrolled in high school or college and without any history of serious crime. Zach Roberson is an immigration lawyer in Olathe, Kansas, who has counseled dozens of DACA recipients. He says he was pleasantly surprised by today’s ruling.
“It’s going to help a lot of my clients, obviously, and I’ve already gotten several calls that people are very happy,” he said Thursday morning.
But he reitereated this is not the end of the road for DACA recipients.
In his ruling, Chief Justice Roberts said, “We do not decide whether DACA or its rescission are sound policies. We address only whether the agency [Department of Homeland Security] complied with the procedural requirement that it provide a reasoned explanation for its action.”
Roberson said this still leaves DACA recipients in limbo, wondering if their status will later be denied, and exactly how the Trump administration and Congress will react.
“There is still a lot we will be sorting out for some time,” Roberson said.
Irene Caudillo, president and CEO of El Centro, said the agency has supported hundreds of DACA recipients in Wyandotte and Johnson counties with thousands of dollars in application and renewal fees. Many of these young people have for many years worked on the front lines of health care, education and essential jobs.
In spite of the uncertainty that lingers for those with DACA status in Thursday’s decision, she says today is a happy day.
“We are grateful. We cried. We cheered,” she said. “We are excited for the many young people who have only known Kansas City as their only residency and community.”
Laura Ziegler is a community engagement reporter and producer at KCUR. Email her at [email protected] or reach her on Twitter @laurazig. The Kansas News Service is a collaboration of KCUR, Kansas Public Radio, KMUW and High Plains Public Radio focused on health, the social determinants of health and their connection to public policy. Kansas News Service stories and photos may be republished by news media at no cost with proper attribution and a link to ksnewsservice.org.
This graph highlights 7-day rolling averages from March to mid-June of this year. There was a rise in cases seen in the green area. Between 1 p.m. Wednesday and 1 p.m. Thursday, there was an increase of 40 cases reported in Wyandotte County. On Thursday, the UG health officers ordered the county to remain in Phase 3 of the reopening plan for another two weeks, at least through July 6. (Graph from UG Health Department)
A recent rise in the number of positive COVID-19 cases in Wyandotte County resulted in an announcement today that Wyandotte County will remain in Phase 3 of the Ad Astra reopening plan through at least July 6.
“The numbers show that COVID-19 continues to be a threat in our community, and as we have begun reopening our businesses and our communities, it has begun to spread, although slowly, once again,” said Dr. Allen Greiner, chief medical officer with the Unified Government Health Department. “Out of an abundance of caution, we will remain in Phase 3 of our reopening plan, with some additional modifications and guidance.”
UG Health Department officials announced on June 16 that COVID-19 cases were on the rise in Wyandotte County.
“We look at 7-day rolling averages to track the spread of COVID-19, and make decisions on reopening,” Dr. Greiner said. “This gives us a better picture of what’s happening with the virus over time, versus looking at data from a single day. Unfortunately, the data is showing us that COVID-19 is spreading. By staying in Phase 3 for at least an additional two weeks, we can slow and contain this spread.”
“Wyandotte County residents have done a great job helping contain and slow the spread of COVID-19 in our community through shared sacrifice and working together,” Mayor David Alvey said. “While community health orders have been relaxed significantly in recent weeks, the latest health data shows a rise in cases in Wyandotte County, requiring public health officials to extend Phase 3 of the Ad Astra state plan instead of transitioning to a full Phase Out on June 22nd. The latest health data is disappointing. We must remember that the pathway out of this is in our hands if we continue practicing safe social distancing, wear face coverings whenever possible, and adhere to all public health guidelines. By doing so, we not only protect our most vulnerable, we preserve all that we’ve achieved over the last several months and expedite our community’s return to business as usual.”
“Wyandotte County residents have done a great job helping contain and slow the spread of COVID-19 in our community through shared sacrifice and working together,” Mayor David Alvey said. “While community health orders have been relaxed significantly in recent weeks, the latest health data shows a rise in cases in Wyandotte County, requiring public health officials to extend Phase 3 of the Ad Astra state plan instead of transitioning to a full Phase Out on June 22nd. The latest health data is disappointing. We must remember that the pathway out of this is in our hands if we continue practicing safe social distancing, wear face coverings whenever possible, and adhere to all public health guidelines. By doing so, we not only protect our most vulnerable, we preserve all that we’ve achieved over the last several months and expedite our community’s return to business as usual.”
Phase 3 continues; some changes to long-term care rules
Phase 3 of the Ad Astra reopening plan began in Wyandotte County on June 8. This phase of the reopening plan allows for further loosening of restrictions on individuals and businesses compared to Phase 2, but with some restrictions still in place, according to health department officials.
Most of the Phase 3 restrictions will remain the same as the phase is extended, with the exception of changes to restrictions for long-term care facilities.
Up to this point, visits to these facilities have been prohibited. Under the modified Phase 3 extension, long-term care and assisted living facilities may allow limited numbers of visitors in their facilities once they have developed a visitation plan, which must be approved by the Unified Government Health Department, a spokesman stated.
“After seeing a large long-term care facility outbreak in our community, the Wyandotte County Long-Term Care Facility Task Force has developed robust guidance, and has been in direct communication with each long-term care and assisted living facility in our county about this guidance,” said Dr. Erin Corriveau, deputy medical officer with the UG Health Department. “Our long-term care facilities are much more prepared now to respond if any cases arise at their site, and have worked diligently with the Health Department to address questions or concerns as soon as they arise.
“Social isolation has taken a serious toll on the residents of these facilities, and it’s important that we take that into account,” she stated. “We feel that it is appropriate to allow some visits to happen at these facilities, mostly outside and under very strict guidelines, and so long as the facility has their plan approved by the UG Public Health Department.”
Phase 3 will remain the same for other businesses and activities, the spokesman stated. All businesses may reopen, and all education, activities, venues and establishments can operate, as long as they follow guidelines:
• Gatherings of up to 45 people are allowed. Gatherings of more than 45 people should be avoided. • Everyone is encouraged to wear masks or cloth face coverings in public settings. • People should maintain at least six feet of distance between themselves and others in public (not including people who live together). • For employers and business owners, encourage employees and customers to always wear masks in your place of business, and allow for proper social distancing in all business areas such as retail shopping areas, business office settings and restaurants. • Swimming pools are allowed to open, with social distancing and no more than 45 people on site at a time. UG Parks and Recreation pools and spray parks will remain closed. • Summer camps, fairs, festivals and outdoor activities can reopen as long as they can maintain at least six feet of distance between individuals or groups, beyond 45 individuals and at 50% or less of fire marshal approved capacity.
Businesses and individuals play roles in slowing spread of virus
According to Health Department officials, businesses and individuals play an important role in once again slowing and containing the spread of COVID-19 in Wyandotte County.
Rules for businesses
It is the responsibility of businesses reopening in Phase 3 to keep their employees and visitors as safe as possible from COVID-19, a Health Department spokesman stated.
Businesses need to:
• Ensure social distancing (at least six feet) between individuals and groups who do not share a household. This may include steps such as installing partitions between patrons or employees, modifying employee work areas or work schedules, or marking spots on the floor six feet apart where people will be waiting in line. • Ask that employees wear masks or cloth face coverings and encourage customers to do the same. • Educate employees on how to properly wear a mask (ensuring it covers both the nose and mouth at all times). • If employees become sick, especially with COVID-19 symptoms, they should stay home except to get tested for COVID-19 at a local testing site.
Businesses can learn more in the Wyandotte County COVID-19 Business Toolkit, available at wycokck.org/COVID-19. They can get business-related COVID-19 questions answered by calling 3-1-1.
Recommendations for individuals
Wearing masks or cloth face coverings
The Health Department strongly recommends that anyone over the age of 2 wear a cloth face covering while in public, according to the spokesman. Health Department staff offered tips about masks and cloth face coverings:
• Wear a mask or cloth face covering appropriately (it must cover both your mouth and nose) • Don’t touch your mask or your face. If you need to adjust your mask, clean your hands with soap and water or hand sanitizer before and after touching your mask. • Cloth face coverings that you can make with items around your home are effective at helping reduce the spread of COVID-19. You do not need a surgical mask or other medical-grade mask, and it is best to reserve those supplies for health care workers. • Learn about cloth face covering recommendations, including how to make your own mask at home, at cdc.gov/COVID19. • The primary purpose of mask is to protect others in case you may be carrying the virus, even if you don’t have symptoms. If everyone wears masks, everyone helps protect one another, and especially protect those most vulnerable to serious illness.
Wearing a mask is not a substitute for social distancing or excellent hygiene, the spokesman stated. The combination of different safety precautions is how to best stop the spread of COVID-19.
Social distancing
• Maintain a distance of at least six feet between yourself and anyone who does not live in your household. • You may need to modify aspects of your routine to do this, such as not carpooling with people outside of your household. • Remember to wear a mask or cloth face covering for additional protection, even when six feet apart.
Social gatherings
• Under Phase 3, social gatherings are limited to no more than 45 people. • In addition to keeping the number of people to no more than 45, social distancing of six feet or more should be maintained.
If sick or exposed to COVID-19, get tested
• You should get tested for COVID-19 if you develop any symptoms of COVID-19, such as: o Fever o Dry cough o Shortness of breath/difficulty breathing o Headache o Chills o Muscle or body aches o Runny nose o Sore throat o Diarrhea o New loss of taste or smell o You have been exposed to COVID-19 through close contact (within six feet for at least 10 minutes) with someone who has tested positive or through association with a known outbreak
Testing is available for free to people who live or work in Wyandotte County at multiple community locations, including the at the UG Health Department and a rotating weekly schedule of “pop-up” sites coordinated by the Wyandotte County Health Equity Task Force. The latest testing schedule and locations are at wycokck.org/COVID-19 or call 3-1-1.
Those without symptoms can spread the virus
Local health officials reminded Wyandotte County residents that asymptomatic spread may be possible, and that safety precautions should be taken even if you do not have symptoms.
“Even if you don’t have symptoms right now, you may still be able to infect others,” said Dr. Erin Corriveau, deputy medical officer with the UG Health Department.
“Recently, someone from the World Health Organization mistakenly said that asymptomatic spread is unlikely, then quickly retracted the statement because there is not adequate scientific evidence to support that claim,” she said. “Unfortunately, this misinformation spread widely. In fact, we do see evidence that people who develop symptoms can be infectious up to two days before their symptoms start. This is why it is so important for everyone to wear masks and practice social distancing, even if they feel well.”
Additional data and resources on COVID-19 in Wyandotte County are at wycokck.org/COVID-19 or by calling 3-1-1.
Information from UG Health Department
Wyandotte County reported 1,766 cumulative total positive cases on Thursday at 1 p.m., compared to 1,726 cases on Wednesday at 1 p.m., an increase of 40 cases. There was one more death, for a cumulative total of 77 deaths. (From UG COVID-19 website)The Mid-America Regional Council’s COVID-19 website, the KC Region COVID-19 Resource Hub, showed there were more than 7,000 cumulative cases and 231 total cumulative deaths in the Greater Kansas City area on Thursday. (From MARC COVID-19 website at http://marc-gis.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/1c93961075454558b3bf0dfad014feae)Gov. Laura Kelly and KDHE Secretary Lee Norman showed this map of Kansas at a news conference on Monday. The map was dated Sunday, June 14, and showed case numbers declining in Wyandotte County. (KDHE map)
Wyandotte County reported 1,766 cumulative total positive cases on Thursday at 1 p.m., compared to 1,726 cases on Wednesday at 1 p.m., an increase of 40 cases. There was one more death, for a cumulative total of 77 deaths. (From UG COVID-19 webpage)
The blood supply in the Kansas City area has dropped to less than a two-day supply, according to the Community Blood Center of Greater Kansas City.
Chelsey Smith, outreach and communications coordinator for the Community Blood Center, said at Thursday’s news conference at the University of Kansas Health System that the normal supply is about seven days.
“It’s not something we have words for,” Smith said. She hasn’t ever seen the blood supply this low, she said.
Smith said it is safe to donate blood at the Community Blood Center, and safety procedures have been added. They are checking temperatures at the door for staff and donors, she said. They have masks for donors and volunteers at all times. Spacing is at least 6 feet apart, she added. Extra cleaning and disinfecting is taking place. Everything a donor touches is cleaned as they leave, she said.
The blood center currently is operating on an appointment preferred schedule now, she added. The center is requesting donors to make appointments. Walk-ins are accepted as capacity allows, she said.
Prospective donors should check with their doctors or visit the donation guidelines online at https://savealifenow.org/ to see if a medication they are taking would affect their eligibility to donate, she added. Some people who are older than 60 or who have a medical condition could be eligible to donate.
Smith said it usually takes 45 minutes to an hour to donate blood.
Blood drives in the community are open Mondays through Fridays, while the seven CBC donor centers are open seven days a week, she said.
One of the upcoming blood drives will be held from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, June 24-26, at the KU Medical Center Health Education Building, she said.
Before COVID-19, the Community Blood Center was collecting 70 percent of the donation on blood drives, but many of the blood drives were canceled. They are very limited in the places they are allowed to go now, she said. The seven donor sites are open seven days a week for donations, she added.
“The need is incredibly urgent right now,” Smith said. “Blood donors literally save lives.”
Also at the news conference on Thursday were medical officers and executives from three institutions, Truman Medical Center, Advent Health and Liberty Health.
In general, the three saw a decline in the COVID-19 positive cases, followed by a small uptick in cases last week. The KU Health System also saw a similar pattern.
The three health medical officers, Dr. Mark Steele of Truman, Dr. Larry Botts of Advent, and Dr. Raghu Adiga of Liberty, also said they have noticed fewer people wearing masks in public recently.
Dr. Botts said people need to continue to be vigilant as COVID-19 isn’t going away. Less than 50 percent of the people he sees while out in the community are wearing masks, he said. Masks, hand-washing and social distancing need to be continued, he said.
Dr. Steele said when two infected hair stylists worked on about 140 clients in Springfield, Missouri, the disease didn’t spread because the stylists were wearing masks, which points to the importance of masks.
Dr. Dana Hawkinson, medical director of infection prevention and control with KU Health System, said some people are listening to unproven rumors on social media about COVID-19, while they are not paying as much attention to what the doctors know works, which is physical distancing, proper hygiene and mask wearing.
Dr. Adiga said the trend toward an increase in cases in America is concerning. The nation never flattened to where it wanted to be, he added.
KU Health System reported 19 COVID-19 patients at the hospital on Thursday morning, an increase of one from Wednesday. Seven of the COVID-19 patients were in the intensive care unit, and six were on ventilators. The hospital discharged three patients in the past day, while admitting some new patients.
Wyandotte County reported 1,766 total positive cumulative cases on Thursday at 1 p.m., compared to 1,726 cases on Wednesday at 1 p.m., an increase of 40 cases. There was one more death, for a cumulative total of 77 deaths.
