Today I'd like to expand on DACA and why it's a mistake to end it. What is DACA? It's stands for Deferred Action for Children Arrivals. It was created and implemented by an executive order after the Obama Administration failed to pass the DREAM Act. DACA defers deportation for undocumented minors for two years. Applicants must have entered the country before 2007 and had to be 16 yrs of age and younger when they entered the U.S. Recently, Trump ordered an end to the program. I believe this to be a huge mistake. First of all, these individuals were brought to the U.S. illegally when they were minors. They had no say so in the matter and now being punished for something that was no fault of their own. These individuals are Americans regardless of their documentation status. They were raised in the United States, learned the language and assimilated to the American way of life. What more could we ask for? Is this not what we want? We must give them amnesty. They're not "criminals". To treat them as such goes against what this country is known for, a country welcoming of immigrants. Also, contrary to popular belief, DACA applicants are not a "drain" on the economy or "stealing" our resources. In fact, to end the program the U.S.would stand to lose billions of dollars. According to a study from CATO, it would cost the U.S. economy $200 billion in lost revenue as it would force these individuals to work illegally which inadvertently cuts into the U.S. economy. It would also cost the federal government $60 billion to repeal the program. Furthermore, DACA applicants aren't stealing or draining American benefits or programs. DACA recipients are barred from applying for social programs and financial aid. They're allowed a workers permit but they must pay they're own way. They're required to either work, go to school and maintain a clean criminal record, otherwise they're disqualified from the program. These individuals are contributing both to society and the economy. Ending this program would not only have economical consequences but also, moral ones too. It would cause a rise in deportations (which costs money and resources) and worst of all, it would divide families. We must do the right thing and give these individuals a pathway to citizenship. This program was created with requirements that made sure there was no "drain" to the economy, it fact it increases it.
On October 1, 2017, CNN posted a Opinion-Ed written by historian and political commentator, Julian Zelizer titled, "Trump's tweets: A presidential wrecking ball" . In this Opinion-Ed, Zelizer states that we should treat Trump's tweets not only as utter distractions, but as political maneuvers. The president has a "pulpit" in which he has the power to unite or to divide. Zelizar states President Trump is using twitter as a platform, " to stir social and political divisions, aggravating deeply rooted cultural tensions within the national psyche." Zelizer gives examples in which Trumps uses Twitter to spread misleading information, to attack his opponents and how his words impact proposed bills and foreign policy. I have to agree with with Mr. Zelizar's assessment. Trumps tweets have incited more political controversy and national conversation among politicians and citizens more than the last 4 presidents before him. His tweets seem are being
In Sara's Blog http://letstalkpolitics17.blogspot.com/2017/12/today-id-like-to-expand-on-daca-and-why.html she reasons that President Trump abandoning the DACA program is a mistake and can actually cost the United States more money, 200 Billion lost from the economy. I agree with Sara that ending the DACA program is not only immoral, but not well thought out. Children brought unknowingly or without a choice to a new country and then to adopt the culture of America should not be sent to a country they know nothing about. DACA recipients are not criminals but hard working, many first responders or your neighbor. Trump has managed to legally find a way to get away with racial profiling and discrimination; holding onto the absurd notion that they are stealing Americans jobs. If someone was saving your life would you care that they were from a different country, a DACA recipient? Or that they worked hard for their education and you were blessed to have someone willing to save your life. Our diversity is what makes America beautiful, if our own President cannot see it for himself, then the mass majority needs to.
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