By AMINA RANA
September 11, 2017
“In remembering the “forgotten Americans” President Trump has managed to forget humanity itself.”
It can be argued that the POTUS has repeatedly crossed this line, but the removal of DACA has spawned unique outrage from many Americans, who rightly see this as an attack on American values.
DACA, or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, gave children brought here without documentation, the right to stay in the States under a student status or work permit. Introduced and passed under President Obama, the bill permitted primarily young people, also called “dreamers” to pursue degrees, work and ultimately work towards citizenship.
80,000 young immigrants are now at risk of deportation, all of whom have worked for the betterment of this country.
However, President Trump’s nullification of DACA has now threatened the future of these young individuals, many of whom, have planned out their lives in America and in the process, contributed to the country in countless ways.
In a Facebook post shortly after news of the decision broke, President Obama expressed his dismay, calling it a “cruel” and “self defeating” decision harming young people who’ve grown up to call this country their home.
The former President’s post was the most decisive expression of dismay since Trump first took office, and rightly so. A rescind of DACA goes against the seeds of opportunity America was planted by.
Not a single DACA recipient has a felony on record, and over 90% are employed. President Trump has painted the immigrant demographic as “rapists” with no moral compass, but DACA is an emblem of why America ought to open its doors.
80,000 young immigrants are now at risk of deportation, all of whom have worked for the betterment of this country. Thousands of students and workers across the country must now press pause, and understand what the decision may mean for them years down the line, where a future in the land of opportunity may no longer be an option.
Trump has stood by his decision, citing the “forgotten Americans” we must keep in mind. In remembering the “forgotten Americans” President Trump has managed to forget humanity itself.
The center of debate revolves around humanity, and where we stand as a country. Destabilizing DACA represents everything wrong with America today, our lack of understanding for what this country represents to the world and most importantly, the price President Trump will pay to alleviate a perceived disadvantage by other Americans.
Contrary to popular belief, Dreamers are not afforded the amenities naturalized citizens have.
Dreamers are not entitled to food stamps, Medicaid, ACA, in-state tuition among other public programs. At the same time, however, they do pay their taxes.
Congress has just returned after a month long recess, and the body now has a race against the clock if it wishes to preserve DACA, which is scheduled to dismantle after 6 months.
