The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program (or DACA, as it is more commonly known) is a policy that lets those who came into the country as children get access to a (renewable) two-year reprieve from potential deportation. Unfortunately, the Trump Administration has been openly hostile to the continuation of this vitally important program. As of September 2nd, 2017, the Administration is still weighing its options on what to do with DACA. Business Insider reports that decision is impending in the next fews days. Top Republican officials in ten states have sent an open letter to Attorney General Jeff Sessions promising to file a lawsuit to stop DACA if the Trump Administration does not take action to end this program by September 5th.
Why You Should Support DACA
There can be no doubt: DACA has been one of the most successful immigration programs of our lifetimes. Nearly 850,000 young people have been spared from potential deportation because of this policy. All of the undocumented immigrants who are eligible for relief under DACA were brought to the United States when they were under the age of 16. Further, to qualify for DACA, a person must have resided in the United States continuously since at least 2007. These are people whose roots are almost entirely within the United States. Most were brought to the U.S. when they were very young children. Indeed, federal data shows that more than 50 percent of DACA applicants came to the United States before their sixth birthday. Unsurprisingly, most of these immigrants have no solid connection to their original country. They are Americans in the true spirit of the term. They have developed as part of strong, successful communities within the United States. DACA spares innocent people from tremendous pain. On top of that, those who are eligible for relief under DACA are net contributors to the United States. This country benefits from their continued presence.
What Action You Can Take to Help
DACA is now largely at the whims of the political process. To protect this program, everyone needs to do what they can to make their voices heard. This means:
- Going to demonstrations;
- Writing letters;
- Participating in protests;
- Bringing light to the issue on social media; and
- Calling your congressional representatives.
The Trump Administration has the most power to preserve (or end) DACA. However, Congress has a key role as well. Not only can key congressional leaders put pressure on the Trump Administration to keep this popular and successful program, but should the administration end the program, Congress has the authority to pass a bill to codify DACA into American law. The public needs to put pressure on political leaders to keep DACA. It is the right thing to do.
Our Los Angeles Immigration Lawyers Support DACA
At the Goldstein Immigration Lawyers, we are proud to support DACA and immigrants in L.A. If you or a loved one has questions about DACA or needs immigration help, please do not hesitate to call us today for assistance with your case. From our office in Los Angeles, we serve communities throughout Southern California, including in Ventura County and Orange County.
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