In 2012, former President Barack Obama initiated the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. Under this program, immigrants who arrived to the U.S. when they were 16 years old or younger and met certain requirements could be guaranteed protection and a pathway to citizenship. These people are referred to as “dreamers.” This program instituted by Obama has been controversial as he passed this under an executive order, one that is proposed by the president and does not need congressional approval. President Trump and the Trump Administration have put DACA under fire, ending the program in September. The fundamentals of this country are built upon freedom; the Statue of Liberty even has the phrase: “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.” Therefore, as a nation, we must protect the dreamers.
Allowing dreamers to stay produces economic profits for the country. According to the Center of American Progress’ study, “The Economic Impacts of Removing Unauthorized Immigrant Workers,” passing the Dream Act could add $22.7 billion annually to the U.S. GDP. This is because the addition of these immigrants into the workforce would generate more commerce. This same study found that there would be a predicted growth resulting in the GDP being over $281 billion in a matter of a decade. Through DACA, recipients have had the ability to get better paying jobs and, in turn, become more economically stable. This then generates more tax revenue and more economic profit to the states and the nation. The dreamers are not a loss to the economy, but, rather, a substantial benefit.
Those opposing the Dream Act may say that these “foreigners” are abusing the privileges and rights of Americans. Those who benefit from DACA are not criminals and are here to benefit the country and seek out a better life of their own. There are strict requirements one has to meet to be eligible. Some requirements to benefit from DACA include: entering the U.S. before you are 16, must currently be in school, graduated, or obtained an equivalent certificate of completion from high school, successfully obtained a GED certificate, or be in the Armed Forces of the U.S., must not have been convicted of a felony, significant misdemeanor, three or more other misdemeanors, and must not pose a threat to national security or public safety. If someone applies for DACA and has committed a certain criminal offense or has been deemed a threat to public safety or national security, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services can deport said person. This ensures that the people allowed to stay are not a harm to the public.
Allowing the dreamers to stay in this country is also an issue of morality. These people, if deported, will be returning to an unfamiliar country where they most likely do not have any familial connections.These children have become fully immersed in American society and day to day life. They did not decide to illegally come to this country and, thus, should not be punished for a choice they did not make. This is a country built upon dreams and opportunity, and the deportation of these dreamers is demonizing these children.
In his first state of the Union Address, President Trump coined the phrase “Americans are dreamers too.” This statement is a bit unclear on what his stance is, as it is diluting the issue by saying all Americans are dreamers. Conversely, according to the Quinnipiac University National Poll, 79% of voters believe dreamers should be allowed to stay and apply for citizenship. The dreamers of this nation must and should be allowed to stay. They are contributing to this country—not doing harm.