Immigration in the News Today Donald Trump, DREAMers, and DACA

Introduction One reason the issue of immigration has been in the news so much over the past couple years has been the candidacy, and election, of President Donald Trump. He made immigration a central issue in his campaign, more than any other major presidential candidate in recent history. It continues to be a major issue during the first year of his presidency.

What are your impressions of what Donald Trump believes about immigration? Watch the video collection of quotes from President Trump on immigration. What are your impressions now? What do you imagine his answer to our big unit question would be?

What was the DREAM Act? A bill proposed in Congress in 2001 that was meant to resolve the issue of immigrants who were brought to the U.S. illegally as children It would have allowed people meeting the following conditions to remain legally in the U.S. Arrived in the U.S. before age 16 Have lived in the U.S. for at least 5 years Currently a student or have completed high school/GED Pass a criminal background check

Who would have been affected by the DREAM Act? Over 2 million immigrants could have potentially been protected from deportation They are a very sympathetic group, even to immigration opponents Stronger connection to U.S. than any other country In school or working (though they technically weren’t allowed to work) Educated, fluent in English Most are originally from Mexico

What is DACA? The DREAM Act never passed in Congress to become a law President Obama was frustrated by this, so in 2012 he issued an executive order called Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals It didn’t create a law, but it did offer some protection to the Dreamers

How did DACA work? If you met the same basic conditions as covered by the DREAM Act, you could apply for a two-year protection from deportation With a valid DACA permit, you are allowed to work legally in the U.S. You are also allowed to serve in the U.S. military There is a $495 application fee You have to re-apply every two years

Who is covered by DACA? There are currently about 800,000 people covered by DACA About 8,000 new applicants every week The oldest DACA recipients are now up to 36 years old 95% are in school or employed

What is the status of DACA now? Last week, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced that the DACA program would end in 6 months At that point, DACA recipients may be deported President Trump has stated that he hopes Congress can pass a law to protect the Dreamers, but he has been inconsistent on the issue

What should President Trump do What should President Trump do? What do you think would be a fair solution to the issue of the Dreamers?