DACA

As many students know, there is word going around of the possible removal of the

DREAM Act bill (as it was not passed for a second time) or otherwise known as the

consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). This program (placed by

Homeland Security during the Obama Administration around June 15, 2012) has allowed for

deferred action for non-citizens of the United States, which means they will not be sent back to

the country in which they were born in as well as can work in the US for a period of two

years (which is renewable) if they meet certain guidelines. The individuals, known as

Dreamers, are usually young immigrants who came to the United States at a very young age and

are normal, everyday students and/or workers like any other citizen. Yet, there are serious issues

concerning the policy that are being debated at this time in politics and are becoming

controversial. The Trump Administration has threatened and even progressed in attempting to

remove the DREAM Act as it is considered “unlawful,” resulting in backlash, protests, and

further separation of ideals. What does this mean for our fellow classmates and students who are

Dreamers? Currently, the president and his board have called for Congress to make a

replacement for DACA in six months before he phases out the program; therefore, the Dreamers

will not be impacted until March 5, 2018 with renewal applications still being accepted. This

program was never intended to be permanent, rather it gave peace of mind until a more solid

solution was created. The proposed bill which is being endorsed is called the SUCCEED act that

is a more conservative act concerning immigration status for DACA recipients. However, this

“merit-based” program offers the opportunity for Dreamers to obtain permanent

residency and even citizenship after a minimum of 15 years. The future of DACA or its

replacement is not certain, but for now, there is no immediate threat for DACA recipients,

especially here in Joliet Central.