The U.S. Needs A Better Immigration Program
In our work at Blooming Twig, we are encouraged to think about issues that matter. The matter of illegal immigration is important to me because I think our current situation needs to be improved. So then I have to ask:
Was President Trump right to put an end to DACA?
In case you missed it (which you probably didn’t) the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program is now potentially being removed under the Trump Administration.
But what exactly is DACA?
DACA protects the thousands of children brought to the United States illegally and allows them to stay legally in the states for two years. Once the two year grace period ends, these children, also known as the Dreamers, are able to renew their citizenship for another two years.
While DACA allows immigrants to attend school and work while in the states, is this the best option for the people who want to remain legally in the U.S. for longer than two years, or even the rest of their lives?
DACA seems to be a good place holder for people to obtain citizenship, it does not do the immigrants justice. There needs to be a better plan put into place after DACA that will protect the immigrants already in the U.S. and those that will cross our borders in the future.
This new plan should not only protect the immigrants for a couple of years but a program should be put into place where they can earn permanent citizenship while still being safe from the threat of deportation.
The winding down of DACA is the perfect time for Congress to develop effective, compassionate policy on immigration — something most Americans strongly agree we need. — CNBC
House Minority Leader, Nancy Pelosi, made a deal with President Trump in regards to the debt limit. Pelosi suggested that when the republicans didn’t work with President Obama in the past, it was “difficult for Congress to pass legislation that would otherwise have carried bipartisan support, such as a comprehensive immigration bill.”
Here’s to hoping that Pelosi’s collaboration with President Trump leads to a better immigration plan than DACA in the near future that compromises with the republicans and democrats.
The United States of America’s foundation was built on immigration; we can’t be hypocritical and not help the immigrants coming to our country looking for a better life.
DACA may be ending, but hopefully, a new and improved plan will be put into action in favor of the immigrants. The only way individuals can make a difference is by calling your local congressmen and giving them your personal thoughts on the matter.
Salvage the American Dream by protecting the Dreamers.
Kayla Keller is an intern with Blooming Twig and studies Linguistics, English and Writing at Stony Brook University.
