With the recent political tensions surrounding DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals), it’s hard not to feel confused and uncertain about what lies ahead for Dreamers. These individuals, who were brought to America as children, have been living under a constant state of uncertainty since DACA was rescinded in 2017. Now, with a new administration in place and renewed hope for immigration reform, the stakes are higher than ever before. In this blog post, we’ll explore exactly what’s at stake for Dreamers in the ongoing DACA debate – from their rights to their livelihoods – and why it matters now more than ever before.
Who are the Dreamers?
The approximately 800,000 young unauthorized immigrants who have benefited from the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program are commonly referred to as “Dreamers.” The moniker references the Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act—legislation that would have offered many of these young people a path to citizenship but has thus far been unsuccessful in Congress. DACA offers two-year work permits and deportation relief to eligible unauthorized immigrants who came to the United States as children. In order to be eligible, applicants must pass background checks and meet several other requirements.
Since its inception in 2012, DACA has allowed many young unauthorized immigrants to live and work in the United States without fear of being deported. DACA recipients have been able to pursue higher education, find jobs, and support themselves and their families. They have also contributed to their communities in various ways, including through volunteerism and activism.
The Trump administration announced its intention to rescind DACA in September 2017, but court challenges have kept the program largely intact for now. If Congress does not act, however, Dreamers could once again face deportation starting March 5, 2018. The future of the Dreamers is therefore uncertain, and many are living in fear and anxiety about what will happen next.
What is DACA and how did it come about?
DACA is an acronym that stands for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. DACA was created by the Obama administration in 2012 as a way to protect young, undocumented immigrants who came to the United States as children from deportation. To be eligible for DACA, immigrants must have arrived in the United States before their 16th birthday and must have been younger than 31 years old as of June 15, 2012. They must also have completed high school or been accepted into college, and they cannot have any felony convictions or significant misdemeanor convictions.
Since its inception, DACA has provided nearly 800,000 young people with work permits and protection from deportation. The program has been widely successful, with recipients reporting increased economic stability and educational opportunities. However, DACA recipients currently live in limbo, as the Trump administration has announced its intention to rescind the program. If Congress does not act to pass legislation protecting Dreamers before March 5, 2018, hundreds of thousands of young people could face deportation back to countries they may not even remember.
The Trump Administration’s stance on DACA
The Trump Administration has been clear about its stance on DACA: the program is illegal and needs to be ended. However, the Administration has also said that it is willing to work with Congress to find a solution for Dreamers that would allow them to stay in the United States.
The Trump Administration’s position on DACA has created a lot of uncertainty for Dreamers. It is not clear what will happen to the program, or if there will be any kind of replacement program put in place. This uncertainty has led to anxiety and fear among many Dreamers, who are worried about their future in the United States.
What does the future hold for Dreamers?
As the DACA debate continues, Dreamers remain in limbo, uncertain of their future. President Trump has proposed a path to citizenship for Dreamers, but many Republicans are opposed to this. The future for Dreamers is uncertain, but there is hope that a compromise will be reached and they will be able to stay in the United States.
Conclusion
DACA, and the fate of nearly 800,000 people who are living and working in the United States under its protection, is an issue that has divided our country. But no matter which side of the debate you’re on, it’s clear that this is a critical moment for Dreamers – and their hopes and dreams remain uncertain. We must now look to our leaders to work together in order to reach a solution that will protect these individuals while upholding American values of fairness and justice.
