DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) is a program that offers protection and relief to young undocumented immigrants from the threat of deportation. The purpose of the program is to protect the rights of vulnerable youth who came to the United States when they were children as illegal immigrants. The program supports the children by protecting them from deportation, but also by providing them with temporary work permits to work in the US, temporary social security numbers, the ability to study in the country, and relief from living in the country in fear. Nearly 800,000 young, undocumented immigrants have reaped the benefits of DACA, and have been granted the opportunity to stay in the country with their families while also being given the privilege to earn their keep.
In light of the policies passed by the new Trump Administration, these nearly 800,000 young immigrants now face the threat of deportation, being forcibly removed from their families, and having to leave the country that they have always known and the opportunities that the United Stated provides. I believe that this is wrong. Trump has been very vocal about his disdain for supporting and harboring illegal immigrants or refugees within the country. However, his main argument has to do directly with his claim that he wants to keep the country safe, and aid in the economical crisis. In this particular case, these young immigrants pose zero threat to the country, have lived here their entire lives, and have the desire to get jobs that pay back in to the American economy. To further this, DACA has strict requirements for eligibility. Applicants have to have lived in the country since before their 16th birthdays, and must have lived in the country consecutively for at least 10 years. Applicants must have or receive education in the form of a high school diploma or GED, and must have clean background checks. For these reasons, their deportation makes even less sense. These young immigrants are not criminals, national security threats, or uneducated people hoping to receive personal gain from the hard work of American citizens. These immigrants are educated, safe, and have proved to be a constant and hardworking support for the country. It is not right that these young people should run the risk of being deported despite the fact that they want to work, study, and provide for the United States of America.
Sources:
https://www.cnbc.com/2017/09/05/trump-administration-is-ending-daca-immigration-program-ag-sessions-says.html