What is DACA?

    Recently Trump made an announcement that he would be ending the DACA program within the next few months. This led to outrage from people across the country of both parties, and as a result, this word is everywhere. But why? What even is DACA? And why is it so important?

    Lets start with the basics. Established in 2012 by the Obama administration, DACA stands for deferred action for childhood arrivals, and it protects about 790,000 people. The program allows those who were brought to America illegally as children to receive work authorization, apply for a social security number, and stay here without fear of deportation. In order to qualify, Dreamers must have a basically spotless record and either be currently in high school/college or have a high school degree/GED. DACA, once received, lasts for two years nd then must be renewed, which costs $495.

So now you might be thinking, why does this matter? They aren’t citizens, but they get to stay and work here, shouldn’t I be angry? Well, yes, you should. But for different reasons. This is the only home Dreamers have really ever known, and DACA is temporary, with no path to citizenship. If your application is denied, the government still has all of your information, and you could be ripped from your family. Because of the work authorization and SSN that I mentioned earlier, DACA recipients pay taxes, but are ineligible for most forms of welfare and financial aid.

Now that you know a little more about just what this program is, I want you to ask yourself something. Would you pay $495 every two years, work hard every day, and deal with people discussing whether or not you belong, just to stay in the only home you’ve ever known? Because some of your classmates do.

Protect DACA, your Social Justice Rebel

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