Pressing Issues: DACA Dreamers
Deferred Action for
Childhood Arrivals (DACA) was a program created in 2012 which would allow
people who were brought to the United States illegally, as children, and who
meet certain requirements, to request for deferred action for two years, with
the possibility of renewal (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services). Once
approved, Dreamers, recipients of DACA, can become apart of everyday society,
obtain a drivers license, attend college, and work legally (CNN). On average, a
DACA recipient was brought to the U.S. at just 6 and half years old (CNN).
On September 5, 2017,
President Trump announced that his admonition made the decision to revoke this
program. According to CNN, this means that more than 700,000 peoples lives
could be completely overturn. Like mentioned previously, these people were
brought to the U.S. when they were under the age of 16. It was not in their
control whether or not they came to this country, but thanks to DACA, they were
able to have some control of their futures, until now.
This decision by the Trump
administration has caused uproar throughout our country for multiple reasons,
but has specifically sparked concern in the field of student affairs and higher
education. Many of Dreamers are students at higher education institutions. A
main goal of student affairs is to advocate for all students and to create an
inclusive environment. More than ever, this goal is being put to the test.
Dreamers are worried about their futures, their ability to continue their education
and fulfill their dreams. It is important for student affairs professionals to
advocate for these students and help them through this tough process. Many
student affairs associations have put out statements in support of Dreamers,
and urging congress to rethink this decision. NASPA president, Kevin Kruger
released this statement:
NASPA again reaffirms our commitment to the
hundreds of thousands of undocumented students, faculty, and staff on our
campuses and in our communities nationwide. We are dedicated to working with
our members in the coming weeks and months to actively support the protection
and defense of undocumented immigrants’ rights. In keeping with that promise,
we encourage all of our members to reach out to their elected officials in
Congress and strongly encourage them to enact legislation, such as the bipartisan
Dream Act (Senate Bill 1615) or BRIDGE Act (Senate Bill 128) , that would provide
enduring protection for undocumented immigrants. We are a nation of immigrants
and though that national foundation is stained by the blood of innocents, now
is not the time to turn our backs on history.
Not many truly know all the
ramifications this will have but it is an important issues that needs to be
challenged.
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