Introduction
Numerous policy issues in the U.S. require close consideration and practical actions. Most of them concern the rights, safety, and freedom of different groups of people, and the problem of immigration is among them. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the DACA program, its strengths and weaknesses, and the benefits it offers to undocumented immigrants. The writing is supported by the official opinion of a U.S. Representative, and an opposing view is presented.
The Policy Issue
An extended number of children are brought to America as undocumented immigrants each year. These young people face many limitations and uncertainties, especially in legal and educational systems, and are deprived of some rights that U.S. citizens have. They are stigmatized and threatened, may experience an identity crisis, and struggle to have a safe shelter, access to medication services, and nutritious food. At the same time, the authorities have made some attempts to offer protection to these immigrants, and the DACA program is one of them. This act continues to face opposition, with President Trump’s recent decision to end it.
Congressman Marc A. Veasey (TX-33) supports this program and finds it highly essential to offer protection and show sympathy to immigrants and undocumented youth. Such an approach not only strengthens the U.S. as a nation but also promotes humane values and moral treatment of others (Veasey). I share the views of the Representative and find it unethical and unbeneficial to end the program, leaving thousands of undocumented immigrants without support. On the contrary, it is essential to broaden the scope of the act’s influence, offering additional services to the applicants.
Alternative Solution
As mentioned earlier, some groups oppose the policy, indicating that America and its citizens would prosper better without any immigrants and the need to support them. In a 2019 survey of U.S. adults, “37% were in favor of terminating the program,” and in 2018, 11% of respondents indicated the need to deport all undocumented persons (ProCon.org.). President Trump was the critical opponent of the DACA intervention, and recently, nine Republican-led states announced their demand to terminate the program (Montoya-Galvez). Their alternative is deportation, as they believe that offering financial and other help to immigrants undermines the wealth and prosperity of the nation, and the whole practice is illegal. Strict immigration policies are what the U.S. needs, according to the opposers.
Opposition to the Alternative Solution
To object to this view, one may refer to the significant role of DACA recipients in the development of the country. One recent example is the contribution of the DACA healthcare workers to fighting COVID-19 (ProCon.org.). Those who received an opportunity to work in the medical field helped legal Americans greatly, and numerous other contributions of undocumented immigrants who receive DACA protection cannot be overestimated. These people do not take anything away from Americans; instead, they merely receive protection and the right to work for the country’s welfare. This is the key factor in which the opposers of the DACA program are mistaken. Without these people, America’s economy and other spheres will likely experience issues.
Conclusion
To conclude, I share Representative Veasey’s opinion regarding the value of the DACA Act and the general protection and support of immigrants. Since this program has already been implemented and now works effectively, there is no need to terminate it, leaving thousands of undocumented young persons without any resources. Deportation is not an option, but treating these people with respect and offering them an opportunity to live, study, and work legally is the best solution, so the program’s coverage should be extended.
Works Cited
Montoya-Galvez, Camilo. “Republican-Led States Ask Judge to Shut Down DACA Program for Immigrant “Dreamers.”CBS News. 2023. Web.
ProCon.org. “DACA and the DREAM Act – Top 3 Pros and Cons”. 2022. Web.
Veasey, Mark A. “Congressman Marc Veasey (TX-33) Statement on Supreme Court’s Decision to Protect Dreamers.” U.S. Congressman Marc Veasey. 2020. Web.