HomeUncategorizedDefending DACA: The Importance of Immigrants

Defending DACA: The Importance of Immigrants

BY SERIAH SARGENTON

 

Immigration is the highlight of political debate. For years political figures have argued about the proper way to handle the matter. The Deferred Action for Children Act (DACA) implemented by former President Barack Obama ensured that children, known as “Dreamers,” who were brought to the United States illegally could live here safely and have benefits such as getting a work permit or obtaining a driver’s license. Five years later, Donald Trump used an executive order to rescind DACA and gave Congress six months to act.

As President, my highest duty is to defend the American people and the Constitution of the United States of America.  At the same time, I do not favor punishing children, most of whom are now adults, for the actions of their parents.  But we must also recognize that we are a nation of opportunity because we are a nation of laws,” according to a statement provided by Trump.

DACA has helped about eight hundred thousand young undocumented immigrants receive work permits and deportation relief. Out of the eight hundred thousand nationwide young and undocumented immigrants, New York has accepted nearly three hundred thousand DACA applications by the end of 2016, according to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services.

Trump has stated that DACA has led to the increase in unemployment for “American” workers, the illegal entry of criminals and drugs, and has cost taxpayers millions in dollars, and is a great burden for schools and hospitals. Though many reporters have debunked these sayings, Trump continues to stick to his agenda to phase out act.  

To be eligible for DACA you cannot have a criminal record, you must have been living in the U.S since at least 2007 and should be between the ages of sixteen and thirty. As a recipient of DACA, you’re required to pay taxes because you cannot apply for federal assistance programs like food stamps, medicaid, or cash assistance. In addition, the recipient must either be in school, the military, or working a stable job to be able to renew their status every two years.

Many of these individuals have assimilated to the American culture. They sing the Star Spangled Banner reciting the national anthem of our country. Ask them to try singing the anthem from their country and you will see that some can’t even remember it. In some cases, they speak English better than their own native language. They graduated elementary, middle, and high school with us and earned jobs by putting in hard work. Many have never seen or travelled to the country their parents are from, but Trump expects them to fit in just fine.

“As I’ve said before, we will resolve the DACA issue with heart and compassion – but through the lawful Democratic process – while at the same time ensuring that any immigration reform we adopt provides enduring benefits for the American citizens we were elected to serve.  We must also have heart and compassion for unemployed, struggling, and forgotten Americans,” according to a statement provided by Trump.

Though it’s understandable to want to fix immigration laws within the states, putting innocent workers and children at harm’s way is not the way to go. With the six month window, millions hope that Congress will take action and help these individuals.

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