{"id":1679,"date":"2017-11-10T07:00:43","date_gmt":"2017-11-10T13:00:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thesocietypages.org\/trot\/?p=1679"},"modified":"2017-11-09T15:04:47","modified_gmt":"2017-11-09T21:04:47","slug":"understanding-debates-about-daca","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thesocietypages.org\/trot\/2017\/11\/10\/understanding-debates-about-daca\/","title":{"rendered":"Understanding Debates about DACA"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Los Angeles March for Immigrant Rights. Photo by Molly Adams, Flickr CC<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Trump administration recently\u00a0<\/span>discontinued an Obama administration<\/span><\/a> policy known as Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). Established in 2012, DACA provided steps toward permanent residency for undocumented immigrants who have lived in the United States since childhood. Conditions include proof of living in the United States since before age 16, criminal background checks, status as employed or a college-student, and routine renewal and payment every two years. Furthermore, DACA recipients are ineligible for federal welfare, student aid, and citizenship. Public figures, including pundit Ann Coulter and Attorney General Jeff Sessions, have expressed concerns about immigrants taking too many jobs, draining social support programs, and threatening American culture and ways of life. Research shows, however, that these individuals are\u00a0not a threat to American culture and society — they <\/span>are in fact<\/span> a part<\/span><\/i> of American culture and society.<\/span><\/p>\n

Many DACA recipients are deeply enmeshed in American society, as virtually all have lived in the United States since childhood. Since the DREAM act was originally passed, beneficiaries have experienced better mental and physical health outcomes. Furthermore, the legislation has offered people in precarious positions a way to be better incorporated into their society; nearly all are employed, speak English as a first language, and have family ties to the United States. Rescinding these protections, therefore, could possibly lead to adverse impacts on recipients\u2019 well-being and lifestyle.<\/span><\/h5>\n