The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals federal program has changed with the last two administrations since President Barack Obama established it in 2012. DACA created the program to protect “Dreamers,” which are undocumented immigrants brought to the U.S at an early age. The program allows Dreamers to apply and renew their permit every two years, protecting them from deportation and sponsoring a work permit.
President Donald Trump tried to abolish DACA during his presidency; the government decided to stop accepting new applications for at least three years. This action affected thousands of families and increased fear among Dreamers since they could get deported to their home country without any support. Dreamers contribute to the nation’s economy. In Utah, immigrants have contributed nearly $2 billion in taxes as of 2018. The Migration Policy Institute estimates that 646,000 people are enrolled in DACA, and the majority are of Hispanic origins, usually from Mexico and Guatemala. Utah is a very diverse state. It is estimated that one out eleven Utahns were born in another country which means that nine percent of Utah residents are immigrants. This makes Utah one of the top states that have immigrants, and 35% are from Mexico. In Utah, there are 8,490 active DACA recipients as of March 2020.
President Biden is pushing Congress to continue DACA and help Dreamers apply for permanent residency in five years and citizenship in eight years. Even with Congress still reviewing the legislation, it is vital to understand how DACA has changed thousands of people’s lives and has created access for immigrants to receive a proper education and tools to succeed. Everyone should have equal access to education no matter their migratory status, and DACA is doing that. We need to support DACA. Congress needs to give Dreamers a chance to have a voice and help improve and have a more diverse country.
Claudia Canales, The Salt Lake Tribune
