The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program was created in 2012 by an executive order (which means that it didn't have to go through Congress, although they had the power to overturn it) by President Obama. The program essentially allows undocumented immigrants who came to the United States illegally as minors to stay for a limited time. This lasts two years for every "dreamer," but it can be renewed. It's most comparable to a workers permit considering its requirements and what it actually does for immigrants. Being that President Trump has announced that he will be defunding DACA and essentially destroy it, it's being talked about a lot. There's a lot of misinformation out there, so let me explain some things that DACA is NOT.
1. A law
Let's start with the basics: DACA isn't a law or an act. Every time I see a post about how the "DACA Act" is unconstitutional I immediately lose all respect for that person's opinion. If you're planning on spewing racism all over your social media about DACA, please know what it is. It's a policy, which is how President Trump is able to eliminate it so quickly. All he has to do is withdraw funding opposed to having to go through the process of changing a law and dealing with Congress.
2. The DREAM Act
Although people under DACA are called "dreamers," the two are very different.The DREAM Act is the Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors Act. This act would allow undocumented immigrants meeting the qualifications (have lived in the US since before age 16, graduated from high school, registered for the draft, etc) to go to college and serve on a limited basis in the military, and eventually gain citizenship. This would be a law, unlike DACA, but it has yet to pass in Congress.
3. A "free ride"
For starters, DACA "dreamers" do not qualify for FAFSA, grants, or even student loans. That's right, these people get no government aid at all. They still have to pay their taxes like every U.S. citizen but they get zero financial assistance. It is the farthest thing from a "free ride."
4. A green card
Unlike a Green Card, DACA is not permanent. DACA last two years, so if it's not renewed you could be sent away. DACA also only protects people who came to America as minors, so people getting sent away would be people who probably have no recollection of the country they were born in. For the most part, America is all they know.
5. Citizenship
On the same note as not being a green card, DACA is also not a path to citizenship. Becoming a U.S. citizen is actually extremely difficult. There's pretty intense application process, a lot of regulations, a hard test, and years and years of waiting. It's entirely luck of the draw, but DACA won't help you out much. They can't vote, they can't come back and leave, they don't get any benefits of citizenship.
6. A tax break
Again, dreamers pay all their taxes. They pay their income taxes, their property taxes, and taxes on their home, just like everyone else. I can't emphasize enough that DACA does not provide any financial assistance. No tax breaks, no help for schooling, nothing.
7. A "get out of jail free card"
DACA is not amnesty. Dreamers go through extensive background checks to qualify and they will not get any benefits of it if they have any type of criminal record. By breaking the law they can be deported at any time.
The DACA has helped over 800,000 immigrants. 95% of dreamers are currently enrolled in school or have full-time employment. These are hardworking, motivated human beings who want a better life for themselves. They're not aliens, they are people who contribute positively to society. Stay informed, stay educated, and protect dreamers.
