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.