Many times my opinions surrounding political issues are unpopular and is the primary reason I typically keep quiet. I feel compelled however to talk about the most recent topic in the news regarding DACA, immigration reform, and the 'dreamers' (many now adults) it affects. I had so many questions about this topic but after a little research found some clarification. Even armed with new knowledge I still feel the same. My final thoughts about DACA being rescinded by our current administration will likely remain unpopular.
I had to wonder why a "dreamer" and/or any illegal immigrant in general failed to begin the naturalization process. Do they understand they continue to perpetuate a serious immigration issue by not following through with the proper citizenship process? Don't they understand they may be deported to a country they do not know (if here since childhood)? One they may not even speak the language? Are you that sure you will not break up your family by thumbing your nose at the law? A story broke yesterday about a gentleman that was forced by ICE to go back to his home country after being here 30 years illegally. Bear in mind, the rescinding of DACA was not the reason this fella was sent packin' as the article will lead you to believe in this case. He's too old to qualify for DACA to start. It's possible he may have qualified if and when a new executive order for DACA expanded the ages. Pfft. As if. It was not a gamble ICE was willing to bet on. Unfortunately he over stayed his illegal welcome and ICE decided it was time for him to go.
Here's the article: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2018/01/15/deported-after-30-years/1034668001/
Let's regroup and discuss. This fella knew since 2009 he had to do something to make his stay legal and didn't. The fact he was brought to the United States by an undocumented family member at the age of 10 doesn't change that he chose to do nothing to correct his situation. He went to school, became a productive member of society (paid taxes), married, and began his own family. He's a grown 39 year old man now with tween age children and a wife and he couldn't be bothered to clear up his undocumented illegal situation? I'm not an immigration lawyer nor am I an expert in immigration law but doesn't he have some protections being married to an American citizen? That is what I originally believed DACA was designed for. Essentially yes, but not in this guys case. Come to find out, he doesn't have protections because he is not here nor was he ever here legally. Even if he fell under DACA he is still unable to become a legal citizen. He will never meet permanent residency requirements to become a legal citizen due to the nature of his arrival and current immigration laws. The rescinding of DACA had nothing to do with his deportation. His separation from his family is of his own doing. He simply ran out of extensions to stay illegally. It's heartbreaking to see a family split up like this but when will people start taking personal responsibility for their own circumstances?
This is where the true topic of debate starts. DACA is not a law. It is a temporary executive order of relief implemented by the Obama administration directing USCIS to grant limited, temporary benefits to student "dreamers" (DACA was ordered as a short term solution to the DREAM Act of 2001) raised here in the US. DACA considers this group a low priority to immigration enforcement as long as they do not have a criminal history. They must apply, complete a back ground check, and pay a fee every two years to extend their stay. It is not nor is it meant to be a pathway to any form of legal immigration status such as permanent residency. Permanent residency is the primary step necessary to become a US citizen and DACA recipients are not eligible to become permanent residents, therefore cannot become US citizens. There is no legal pathway for anyone covered under DACA to become a citizen of the United States. Well, there is one way but it is VERY risky involving crossing the border to their home country and hoping to God they are let back in to the US. DACA was executed to keep these "innocents" from being deported and essentially separated from their families. DACA was designed as a humanitarian measure only until Congress could sort out their immigration reform laws. It was not meant to be a perpetual solution to the main issues of immigration reform. This why I believe DACA was rescinded by our current administration. DACA is a band-aid and it's long past time to rip it off.
I know for certain many of you are NOT fans of our current President. There is a visceral loathing for this man and it's understandable. He's rude, crude, and socially unacceptable to put it simply and mildly. I, too, flinch every time he opens his mouth in hopes he isn't eating his foot once again. But do you not realize he just did the DREAM Act, Immigration Reform, and Congress a favor by rescinding DACA last September? Don't forget there is still a six month stay on DACA so Congress has until March. Trump has essentially forced the hand of Congress to find a reasonable solution by way of new laws to advance amnesty that will be acceptable by all and a benefit to our United States. Congress is the reason we are in this mess. Congress is only rushing it now to close out the new spending budget. Congress has failed over and over to come to a reasonable and beneficial solution to provide legal citizenship to thousands of minor aliens (many who are now adults) here illegally by no fault of their own. Side question of curiosity: What is the benefit of Congress keeping these folks illegal? Anywho...We need immigration reform in general. Fixing the DREAM Act, in my opinion, will be the first positive step Congress can make. It's time to succeed, Y'all. Seriously. Congress tried four years in a row to make this bill a law and gave up. Just threw up their hands and said "forget it." How confident does that make you feel about our legislative process? As a side note, this is why I support term limits. We have too many establishment elite's on both sides of the aisle taking handouts from their donors and no longer caring for their constituents, you and me.
Furthermore, Congressional threats of government shut down to prove the sad point of their gross incompetence is not the answer. Get to work, Congress, and stop your childish posturing! All of you! For the love of Pete, it's time to play nice in the sand box and work together.
PS...
I never cared about a wall one way or the other. I'd rather we spend our tax dollars on more tangible infrastructure. Using the wall (this is the proverbial "stick" Republicans aim to beat the Democrats over the head with) as the only way to to come to an agreement on immigration reform is the wrong bargaining tool. We have no ground to stand on if you keep pulling that rabbit out of your hat, Mr. President. To hec with the wall for now. The Dems will never agree to it. Find the "carrot" the Dems want instead and use it to your advantage. You did write, Art of the Deal, didn't you?
If the vinegar ain't workin' it's time to get the honey...
