WHY DACA SHOULD BE RENEWED

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), a bipartisan immigration policy, has been a lifeline for hundreds of thousands of undocumented immigrants who were brought to the United States as children. DACA recipients, often referred to as "Dreamers," have made significant contributions to our communities, our economy, and the fabric of our nation. They deserve a permanent solution that allows them to live without fear of deportation. The renewal of the DACA program is not only the right thing to do but also a necessary step for the United States to continue to thrive.

The Economic Benefits of DACA

DACA recipients are a valuable part of our workforce. They are more likely to be employed than native-born Americans and have higher rates of entrepreneurship. According to a 2017 study by the Cato Institute, DACA recipients contribute billions of dollars to the U.S. economy each year. They are also more likely to start businesses, which creates jobs and stimulates economic growth.

The Social and Cultural Contributions of DACA Recipients

DACA recipients are an integral part of our society. They have grown up in the United States, attended our schools, and are active in our communities. They are our friends, our neighbors, and our colleagues. They have enriched our culture with their unique perspectives and experiences. Undocumented immigrants are parents, spouses, friends, and neighbors to millions of U.S. citizens and legal residents. Nearly 200,000 DACA recipients are parents of U.S. citizens. Separating them from their families would cause significant harm.

The Educational Achievements of DACA Recipients

DACA recipients have demonstrated a strong commitment to education. They are more likely to graduate from high school and college than undocumented immigrants who are not eligible for DACA. In addition, DACA recipients are more likely to pursue higher education, which will further contribute to our economy and society. DACA has allowed undocumented immigrants to pursue their education without the fear of deportation. This has resulted in increased high school and college graduation rates, as well as higher levels of educational attainment.

The DACA Program is Good for National Security

DACA recipients undergo rigorous background checks before they are granted deferred action. They must also meet certain criteria, such as being enrolled in school or employed. This makes them less likely to commit crimes than undocumented immigrants who are not in the DACA program. In fact, a 2017 study by the Center for American Progress found that DACA recipients are less likely to be arrested or convicted of a crime than native-born Americans.

The Moral Imperative to Renew DACA

The United States is a nation of immigrants. We were built on the belief that everyone has the opportunity to succeed, no matter where they come from. DACA recipients are part of our community, and they deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. Renewing DACA is the right thing to do for our economy, our security, and our values.

Conclusion

The DACA program has been a resounding success. It has allowed hundreds of thousands of young people to come out of the shadows and live their lives openly. They have contributed to our communities, our economy, and our country in countless ways. It would be a travesty if we were to allow this program to expire. We must renew DACA and provide a permanent solution for Dreamers.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is DACA?

DACA is a federal program that allows certain undocumented immigrants who were brought to the United States as children to receive a renewable two-year period of deferred action from deportation and to be eligible for a work permit.

2. Who is eligible for DACA?

To be eligible for DACA, an individual must meet all of the following requirements:

• Were under the age of 31 as of June 15, 2012
• Came to the United States before their 16th birthday
• Have continuously resided in the United States since June 15, 2007, up to the present time
• Entered without inspection before June 15, 2012, or their lawful immigration status expired as of June 15, 2012
• Are currently in school, have graduated or obtained a certificate of completion from high school, have obtained a General Educational Development (GED) certificate, or are an honorably discharged veteran of the Coast Guard or Armed Forces of the United States
• Have not been convicted of a felony, significant misdemeanor, multiple misdemeanors, or otherwise pose a threat to national security or public safety

3. What are the benefits of DACA?

DACA provides recipients with a renewable two-year period of deferred action from deportation and makes them eligible for a work permit. This allows them to come out of the shadows and live their lives openly. They can attend school, work, and travel without fear of deportation.

4. Why is DACA important?

DACA is important because it allows hundreds of thousands of young people to come out of the shadows and live their lives openly. They can attend school, work, and travel without fear of deportation. They are contributing to our communities, our economy, and our country in countless ways.

5. What would happen if DACA were to expire?

If DACA were to expire, hundreds of thousands of young people would be at risk of deportation. They would be forced to go back to living in the shadows, and they would be unable to work, attend school, or travel. This would be a devastating blow to our economy and our communities.