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This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Mville chapter.

 

 

By: Angelica Dardon

 

In recent headlines and social media, people have been discussing the removal of DACA. Many people may not know what this entails or really what it stands for. I’m here to explain common questions relating to DACA.

 

What is DACA?

DACA stands for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. DACA was an executive order put in place by Barack Obama in 2012. It protects undocumented immigrants under the following conditions:

  • They would have been younger than 31 on June 15, 2012

  • Came to the US before the age of 16

  • Lived continuously in the US since June 15, 2007

  • Has a High School diploma,has a GED diploma, currently in school, or honorably discharged from the military

DACA did not grant legal status, but amnesty. People with criminal records are not accepted. It protected 800,000 undocumented youths, commonly known as Dreamers.

 

DACA today

The current president of the United States has ended the program. This leaves the fate of 800,000 undocumented youths in question. They are given 6 months until they are no longer protected by the amnesty. It is a very controversial topic. Some people consider that they do not belong here since they are here illegally. On the other hand,people believe they they had no choice nor were old enough to decide. This has become their home and they are youth just trying to create a future for themselves.

Personally, I believe that this program should not end. I personally know Dreamers who are struggling for a better future and are scared out of their minds. I have seen how affected my friends are and there are many people who do not know anything but the US. They may not have been born here, but they were raised here. How are you going to send someone back to a country where they do not speak the language or do not know anyone. You may disagree, or not, but this is my personal stance.

In recent news, President Trump is negotiating with Congress on ways to protect the Dreamers. On September 14th 2017, Trump tweeted “Does anybody really want to throw out good, educated and accomplished young people who have jobs, some serving in the military? Really!” “They have been in our country for many years through no fault of their own – brought in by parents at young age.” According to Fox News, “In a joint statement Thursday, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., said “Trump’s tweets are not inconsistent with the agreement reached last night.”

“We agreed that the president would support enshrining DACA protections into law, and encourage the House and Senate to act,” the lawmakers said.”

There have been many protests of people fighting for Dreamers. Many were arrested during the nationwide protests. Here are some impacting images of the protests which sparked nationwide.

 

 

Let’s hope that their dreams don’t die. DACA was America’s promise to the youth. This is their home.

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Student at Manhattanville College, right outside of New York City! Editor at the Mville chapter I am majoring in Marketing and Communications with a minor in Sociology, and look forward to working either in the music business, or at a non-profit organization! I am an advocate for those who suffer from mental illness, such as anxiety, suicidal thoughts, depression, and self harm. I'm a crafter, dreamer, and traveler. I believe everyone has a story that's just waiting to be told..