Let’s Move from Limbo to a Legal Solution to Protect DACA and the “Dreamers”

It’s one thing to be American on paper. It’s quite another to be American in principle and practice, like the “Dreamers” who benefit the country in many ways. The “Dreamers” are undocumented immigrants who were brought to the United States as children. It was not their decision to come, and it is not their desire to go. Many “Dreamers” work diligently to live the American Dream, and only ask to be granted the opportunity to work, to pursue education, and live productive lives in America.

It’s not the “Dreamers’” fault they were brought here as children without documentation. Why penalize them by terminating DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals)? Termination would mean the cessation of work permits, possibly even deportation. Many fear President Trump will rescind DACA early this week. News sources are now indicating he has already decided to end DACA, while allowing Congress a six-month delay to resolve the matter. The President’s decision will be officially announced on Tuesday (Refer here, too).

However, some leading Republicans have urged the President not to terminate DACA. House Speaker Paul Ryan, among others, believes that Congress needs to proceed with a legislative solution rather than end DACA. The DACA beneficiaries “are people who are in limbo. These are kids who know no other country, who were brought here by their parents and don’t know another home. And so I really do believe that there needs to be a legislative solution.”

Now for those who consider what termination of DACA might mean for the US economy, the termination of DACA might penalize our future as a country, according to many top business leaders. In a letter to President Trump, they wrote: “‘Dreamers are vital to the future of our companies and our economy,’ the executives wrote. ‘With them, we grow and create jobs. They are part of why we will continue to have a global competitive advantage.’”

It’s not just a political and economic issue. It’s also personal. How many of us would find it difficult to cope in a constant state of limbo? How many of us have borne the consequences of other people’s actions? What’s that like? How many would not wish to be given a chance to make our dreams reality in the only country we have ever really known and loved? Even President Trump has said in the past that he would approach this subject of DACA “with heart” because of “these incredible kids.”

A solution can be worked out that is legally, economically and personally beneficial to all parties. As a country of immigrants full of entrepreneurial creativity and heart, we can pursue a legislative solution that fulfills the spirit of the law while helping our country soar, not sour, to the betterment of all and the fulfillment of the American Dream.