One outcome of President Trump’s surprise budget deal with Democrats is a potential December showdown over the fate of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program and its hundreds of thousands of young beneficiaries. All eyes will turn to Congress — where, admittedly, a major immigration deal has eluded DC lawmakers for decades now.
There is reason for optimism, especially after reports that Trump and Democratic leaders discussed the possibility of another deal — to protect young immigrants — at the White House on Wednesday night. When it comes to immigration, commentators tend to pit blue states against red states, the coasts against the rest of the country. But in the end we all want the same thing for our communities.
And in many cities and states the importance of immigrants is undisputed. It’s common sense, and it’s dollars and cents. Beyond the Beltway, states and cities recognize the obligation — and the value — of protecting the Americans like those who, through no fault of their own, find themselves once again in legal limbo, after the Trump Administration’s decision to end DACA.
As children, DACA’s 800,000 “Dreamers” were brought to America illegally by their parents. But DACA is not a free ride — to be eligible, applicants are required to pass background checks and show they are going to school, have graduated, or have honorably served in the military. With the requirements met, Dreamers can remain in the country they call home.
Read the full article from CNN: “The big decision on Dreamers: What Congress should do”
