Jesus Creed
It was named by politicians in committee, so the name is “Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals.” It is our President’s proposal to begin resolving those who were brought into the USA by someone else.
Under the new policy, people younger than 30 who arrived in the United States before the age of 16, pose no criminal or security threat, and were successful students or served in the military, can get a two-year deferral from deportation and apply for work permits.
Participants must prove they have been living in the country continuously for at least five years.
1. “Deferred action” gives off the impression that the undocumented, who have entered into the country without official permission, will eventually be part of some legal action. And that means possible deportation. This policy is no promise of citizenship. I have a hard time thinking many will step forward when they know the action is not certain and permanent.
[I am perhaps wrong; here is a report from today in the Chicago Tribune indicating a large turnout.]
2. It costs $465 to apply. “The $465 application fee will fund the administrative costs of the program, including a biometric check and issuance of a secure work-authorization document, he said.” Again, this fee will be used to fund the program, which is a very good idea, but the undocumented are not rolling in funds.
3. The singular element, so it seems to me, is that the undocumented declares publicly — giving their name and address and contact information — to the Federal government that they are undocumented, making them much more vulnerable to deportation. Furthermore, this public declaration of undocumented status indirectly points a finger at parents and other family members as well.
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