Tensions increased for both DACA and congressional beneficiaries since US President Donald Trump eliminated the program created by President Barack Obama with the purpose to protect eligible immigrant youth who came to the United States when they were children from deportation.
Trump gave a deadline to the Congress to address the situation and come up with an alternative. “Congress now has 6 months to legalize DACA (something the Obama Administration was unable to do). If they can't, I will revisit this issue!” he tweeted.
Republicans are concerned and promised quick work to help undocumented immigrants from President Trump’s decision to end their federal protections. The lawmakers are trying to figure out how to proceed.
Unfortunately, not all the representatives are on the same page. Mike Coffman, Republican of Colorado, called off a petition he had initiated to force the House to take up legislation to protect the DREAMers.
Mr. Coffman was planning to circulate a “discharge petition” to force a vote on a three-year extension of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). But according to the New York Times, he pulled off the action after Speaker Paul Ryan said he wanted a broader immigration measure that enhanced border security measures with legalization for young immigrants.
Coffman said that time frame was supposed to light a fire under Congress but it was not the case. “He could have done an immediate phase out,” he said. “That would really put pressure on Congress to put DACA right on the top of the agenda. But in giving Congress six months, with all the other things going on right now, the debt limit, the appropriations, tax reform, it’s not certainly on the top of the agenda right now.”
Representative Bob Goodlatte of Virginia, chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, said he wouldn't move on the Obama-era program before he addressed criminal alien gangs and border security.
“We are happy to have discussions with anybody who wants to talk about what we need to do with DACA, but I would say DACA is at the end of that list, not at the beginning,” said Mr. Goodlatte in an interview. “We can’t fix the DACA problem without fixing all of the issues that led to the underlying problem of illegal immigration in the first place.”
Trump tweeted he's looking forward to work with the Congress "to address immigration reform in a way that puts hardworking citizens of our country 1st."
Since the very first day, politicians have been divided on immigration issues related to this American immigration policy, but under the presidency of Donald Trump, DACA has been under scrutiny.
DACA not only gives young undocumented immigrants protection from deportation, also a work permit is part of the program that expires after two years, and is subject to renewal.
After the Trump administration formally announced the end of DACA, DREAMers all around the United States are in fear, worried about what the future holds. Historian, philosopher, and consultant Kendrick Mercer send, via Latin Times, a support message, and a short guide on how they can deal with the stress and fear of this unfortunate situation.
"Dear Dreamers,
Every time you face your fears with an unflinching heart, your consciousness expands geometrically, regardless of the outcome. Let there be no doubt, you are Americans, you are U.S. citizens. You have been Encoded in this culture almost all your lives.
Encoding is the wordless assimilation of the culture of the family, community, and nation in which you live. You think like US citizens. You feel like US citizens, and you are US citizens, where ever you go. It is not only important to face the fears of this inhumane challenge, but to act on your intention to be US citizens, beginning now and for the rest of your life.
Begin by resisting every effort to challenge your citizenship. And no matter what happens, or where you may temporarily go, you must continue to fight until you return to your rightful home.
Most Americans, including myself, expect and welcome you to take your rightful place.
With Warm Regards and Respect, Kendrick Mercer."
The end of DACA means that 800,000 children and youths will no longer be protected.
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