Picture yourself as a child whose family relocates to a foreign land. Full of fear and uncertainty, you follow your parents, trusting them to lead the way. Over time, that once unfamiliar place transforms into a comforting home. You forge friendships, master the language, pursue education, and even establish your own family. Now, after years of building a life there, imagine the government of that nation threatening to uproot you from everything you’ve ever known.
This is the alarming reality facing countless individuals who were brought to the U.S. as children, often referred to as “Dreamers.” Despite previous assurances regarding the protection of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, a senior official in the Trump administration has recently indicated plans to repeal it, leaving these young immigrants in a state of anxiety and uncertainty.
Understanding DACA
DACA, initiated in 2012, safeguards undocumented immigrants who arrived in the U.S. as minors, allowing them to stay and contribute to the society they have come to call home. The criteria for eligibility are strict: individuals must have been under 31 as of June 15, 2012, have continually resided in the U.S. since June 15, 2007, and must have entered the country before turning 16. Those who qualify can apply for a two-year deferral from deportation, which they must then renew.
The Outrage Over Potential Rescission
The potential rescission of DACA has sparked outrage among business leaders, immigration advocates, and compassionate citizens alike. Prominent figures from major corporations—including Apple, Facebook, and Amazon—have joined forces in a public petition imploring the administration to maintain DACA. The program not only allows Dreamers to work and study in the U.S., but its termination could jeopardize the futures of nearly 800,000 individuals who may be forced to return to countries they hardly know.
These Dreamers are not the criminals often depicted by some in the Trump administration. They are individuals who, as children, had no say in their immigration status. DACA recipients have grown up in American society, undergone extensive background checks, and are actively contributing to their communities. They pay taxes, purchase homes, and many even support families of their own. According to a coalition of businesses, over 97% of Dreamers are either enrolled in school or gainfully employed, with around 5% launching their own enterprises.
The Economic Argument
Most Americans recognize the invaluable contributions immigrants make to the nation, which makes it perplexing that the administration would consider dismantling DACA. Polls indicate that around two-thirds of the American populace, including many Republicans, support some form of protection for Dreamers. If appealing to morality fails, the business community hopes to appeal to economic rationale. For instance, the CEO of TechCorp, Alex Johnson, emphasized that “intelligent immigration policies can foster economic growth and enhance global competitiveness,” ultimately creating more job opportunities for Americans.
Failing to preserve the DACA program could result in severe economic repercussions, with estimates suggesting a potential loss of $460.3 billion from the national GDP and $24.6 billion in contributions to Social Security and Medicare. Moreover, such a move would be both callous and detrimental, impacting the lives of hardworking young individuals.
Call to Action
We must speak out against this potential injustice and advocate for those whose lives hang in the balance. If you’re interested in learning more about navigating family planning or reproductive options, check out this post. For additional insights into pregnancy and related topics, visit Modern Family Blog and explore resources from the CDC.
In summary, the lives of thousands of Dreamers are at stake with the potential repeal of DACA. As a community, we must advocate for policies that uphold the dignity and contributions of those who call America home.