DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) was enacted by President Obama in 2012. It’s main purpose was to protect undocumented immigrants who came to the U.S. as children from being deported. As of September in 2017, President Trump rescinded  DACA, then avoided solving the issue himself by giving Congress the responsibility to come up with another option. Congress needed to have reached an agreement by March of 2018; that time frame has now passed and Congress has left everyone without answers.

At the fault of President Trump, DACA was taken away and since then, no bipartisan compromises have been enacted. Congress considered DACA a law, and President Obama at the time, did not have the power to create a law.  President Trump has now decided to end DACA after March 5th. He “has rejected bipartisan compromises, while using his power and microphone to demonize immigrants of color” stated by Antonio Alarcón of The New York Times. He was within his power to end DACA but the fact that he is not accepting any compromises is unacceptable.

DACA and the Dream Act have been good for the economy and because of this act being disbanded it will have a huge effect on the government’s income. As the The Center of American Progress stated about DACA recipients, they will, “contribute $460.3 billion to the U.S….[GDP] over the next decade- economic growth that would be lost were DACA to be eliminated.” America profits a lot off dreamers who have gone through school and college in the U.S. which led them to careers. These careers have given them stability and the ability to pay taxes, stay in the country, and be contributing member of society.

On the contrary, dreamers are still technically illegal immigrants which has been a huge issue for the U.S. “The total fiscal burden from illegal immigration borne by the state’s taxpayers is considerably higher than those estimates because they cover only a limited number of outlays”, says Jack Martin, Special Projects Director, Federation for American Immigration Reform. Despite Dreamers breaking the law, they do more good than harm for the country.

As 17-18 year old students, society thinks we lack awareness of our socio-political climate. And many of us think we can’t do anything, but there are ways to help. We can support the children who were brought to this country in search of a better life. We can march with them, stand by their sides, and once we turn 18 we can vote for representatives who are in favor of reinstating this Act. We are the future of the country and we have the power to make a difference for the better.