My parents are legal immigrants. My dad, born and partly raised in Zimbabwe, moved to India in his early adolescence. My mom, born and raised in England, still has her British accent, despite immigrating to the United States over twenty years ago. My parents moved to this country, to begin their new lives together, through chain migration, a method that does not exist anymore. With recent news involving the decision to defund DACA, and mixed opinions about the issue from minorities and Caucasian Americans alike, I decided to ask my parents about what they thought about DACA and its purpose.
To become a citizen of the United States, one must go through a long and grueling process. Without getting into specifics, it can take years of background checks, memorizing important Constitutional facts, and more, before getting the opportunity to righteously wave that American flag. And my parents understand, first-hand, what that process entails. In relation to DACA, my mom simply stated that "people should be given a fair chance, as long as they become legal and abide by the laws," such as paying taxes.
My dad, on the other hand, had a lengthier response. He believes, like some conservative Americans, that immigrants should stay here legally, and that most aspects of DACA should not exist. "Legal immigrants go through a tough process and wait in line to get their chance to come to this country. I understand that DACA kids did not have that option."
So, what should happen to these illegal immigrants protected under DACA? My dad thinks that "they should be given a provisional residency and those who are criminals should be deported. Those allowed to stay should pay back all taxes and a fine. The provisional status should be lifted, to become permanent residents after ten years, and there should be no crimes committed by then, in that timeframe. Laws should be passed to prevent kids of illegal immigrants from automatically becoming citizens."
Whether you agree with these statements or not, I believe that only immigrants' opinions about DACA are justified. Caucasian Americans just do not have the experience to make informed judgments about the fate of the program, which is a tough reality, considering the face of the American government. Legal immigrants know what it took to become citizens of the United States and have the right to feel betrayed by the American government for allowing illegal immigrants to have a deferred option to become citizens.
In all honesty, as I have heard from more than a few legal immigrants across the nation, in written and verbal statements, DACA is helping illegals cheat the system. Yes, most of these individuals do not have the money or means to enter this country legally. However, once they do settle down here, immigrants should be given a straightforward path to becoming legal, especially if they plan on staying in the country, as well as pay taxes and abide by the laws. These basic norms should not pose as an issue.
As the Trump Administration begins to phase out DACA, illegal immigrants face the potential for deportation in the near future. Immigration is a controversial topic, but one crucial part of this story, that has not received much attention, is that of legal immigrants. Their voices must be heard, as they have helped pave the way for their families for generations to come. Because of my parents' hard work, I am a proud American.
