Imagine being a child whose family relocates to a new country. It’s a confusing and frightening experience, but as a young one, you trust your parents and follow their lead. Over time, that unfamiliar place transforms into your home. You make friends, learn the language, attend school, and build a life. You didn’t choose to come here, but since growing up in this environment, it’s the only home you’ve ever really known.
Now, picture the government of that country—your home—deciding to expel you. You live in constant fear that your work or school could be interrupted by a demand to leave, paying the consequences of a choice made when you were too young to decide for yourself.
This is the harsh reality facing countless young immigrants, often referred to as ‘Dreamers,’ who arrived in the U.S. as children. Despite earlier assurances from Trump that he would uphold DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals), a senior official from the White House recently indicated plans to dismantle the program.
DACA, established in 2012, provides protection to undocumented immigrants who came to the U.S. as minors, allowing them to stay in the country they consider home. To qualify, individuals must have been under 31 as of June 15, 2012, have resided in the U.S. since June 15, 2007, and arrived before their 16th birthday. Eligible recipients can request a “consideration of deferred action,” which, if granted, lasts for two years before needing renewal.
The announcement sparked outrage from various sectors, including businesses and immigration advocates. Notably, executives from major companies like Apple, Facebook, Microsoft, and Amazon quickly rallied together to urge the president to retain DACA. This program offers Dreamers the chance to work and study legally in the U.S., and without it, nearly 800,000 individuals could face deportation to countries they may not even remember. Many lack connections and support systems in those places.
Contrary to the narrative pushed by the Trump administration, these individuals are not criminals; they are people who had no say in their immigration status as children. DACA recipients have integrated into American society, passing extensive background checks and contributing positively to their communities by paying taxes and supporting local economies. According to a business coalition, over 97% of Dreamers are either working or pursuing education, with a notable 5% starting their own businesses.
The majority of Americans recognize the vital role immigrants play in our society. Polls indicate that around two-thirds of the population, including many Republicans and Trump supporters, are in favor of protecting Dreamers. If the moral argument doesn’t sway Trump, business leaders are appealing to his economic rationale. Microsoft’s CEO, Alex Thompson, noted that “smart immigration can bolster our economic growth and global competitiveness.” They warn that without action to maintain DACA, the economy could suffer a loss of $460.3 billion in GDP and a drop of $24.6 billion in Social Security and Medicare contributions.
A proposal to dismantle DACA would not only reflect poor judgment but also a profound lack of compassion. We must stand against this potential injustice.
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In summary, the proposed end to DACA threatens the lives of many young individuals who have built their lives in the U.S. since childhood. As a country that values compassion and hard work, it is crucial to advocate for their rights and support their continued presence in the only home they know.