1. Topic
Immigration Reform

2. What has been and is currently being done regarding immigration in the U.S.?
Essential Question

3. Four basic requirements
came to the U.S. before the age of 16
graduate from high school (GED)
good moral character
living in U.S. for 5 years
Once the DREAM Act passes, you will have 6 years to obtain a 2 year college degree or complete 2 years of military service
This will change your conditional permanent residency to U.S. citizenship
The DREAM Act
Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors
Bipartisan legislation sponsored by Orin Hatch (R-UT) and Richard Durbin (D-IL)
introduced in 2001; has NOT been passed

4. DACA 2012 Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals
enables young people born outside the U.S. but raised here to more fully contribute to their communities, economically and otherwise
the executive branch has the power to decide how best to use resources, and deporting young people with good standing didn't seem like a smart use of those resources
people who came to the U.S. as children and meet several key guidelines may request consideration of deferred action for a period of two years, subject to renewal, and would then be eligible for work authorization. Deferred action does not provide an individual with lawful status.
DACA
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals
DACA wasn't passed into law by Congress; it was an executive order by the Obama administration.

5. DACA Requirements… age: under 31 as of June 15, 2012;
came to the U.S. before 16th birthday
have continuously lived in the U.S. since June 15, 2007, up to the present time;  
currently in school, have graduated or obtained a certificate of completion from high school, have obtained a general education development (GED) certificate, or are an honorably discharged veteran of the Coast Guard or Armed Forces of the United States;
have not been convicted of a felony, significant misdemeanor, three or more other misdemeanors, and do not otherwise pose a threat to national security or public safety
DACA Requirements…

8. President Obama’s common sense proposal for immigration reform.
Continuing to strengthen border security
Streamlining legal immigration
Earned citizenship
Cracking down on employers hiring undocumented workers
President Obama’s common sense proposal for immigration reform.

9. They remind us that we’re a nation of immigrants
They remind us that we’re a nation of immigrants. Throughout our history the promise we found in those who come from every corner of the globe has always been one of our greatest strengths.
One of the biggest advantages we have, economically, is our demographics. We’re constantly replenishing ourselves with talent from all across the globe. No other country can match that history.
President Obama June 11, 2013

10. “Gang of Eight” bipartisan committee: Republicans: Marco Rubio (FL), Jeff Flake (AZ), John McCain (AZ), Lindsay Graham (SC); Democrats: Dick Durbin (IL), Robert Menendez (NJ), Chuck Schumer (NY), Michael Bennett (CO)
Senate passes S.744: immigration reform bill 1,200 pages
68 in favor – 32 opposed
54 Democrats and 14 Republicans in favor (Orin Hatch)
June 27, 2013

11. "Today is another historic day in the Senate," said Sen
"Today is another historic day in the Senate," said Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-VT). "This legislation will reunite families. It will bring millions of people out of the shadows and into our legal system. It will spur job growth and reduce our deficit. And it will make us safer."
"The time has come to act in the interest of all Americans," declared Sen. Bob Menendez (D-NJ) a member of the Gang of Eight. "I hope that message will be heard loud and clear in the House (of Representatives)."
Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, called the vote on the
measure "largely symbolic" and predicted the
bill would ultimately be relegated to the "ash
heap of history."
DOA Most congressional conservatives, however, remain staunchly opposed to the measure, and have declared it dead on arrival in the House.

12. lived in the U.S. continuously since Jan. 1, 2010 to the present
physically present in the U.S. on Nov. 20, 2014 and at the time of your request
no lawful status on Nov. 20, 2014
not been convicted of a felony, significant misdemeanor, or three or more other misdemeanors; do not otherwise pose a threat to national security; and are not an enforcement priority for removal.
DAPA November 2014
Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents (DAPA)
expands 2012 DACA
Executive order

13. Texas and 25 other states sued the Obama administration claiming these executive orders exceed the President’s constitutional authority
February 2015, blocked by a federal judge in Texas; appealed
November 2015, 5th Circuit Court of Appeals reaffirmed the decision
appealed to Supreme Court - United States v. Texas
split decision (4 – 4) leaves in place the lower court’s decision
June 2017 – Department of Homeland Security eliminates DAPA (3.7 million)
DAPA lawsuit November 2014

14. The United States must adopt an immigration system that serves the national interest. To restore the rule of law and secure our border, President Trump is committed to constructing a border wall and ensuring the swift removal of unlawful entrants. To protect American workers, the President supports ending chain migration, eliminating the Visa Lottery, and moving the country to a merit-based entry system. These reforms will advance the safety and prosperity of all Americans while helping new citizens assimilate and flourish.

15. current immigration policy
Block immigrants and refugees from certain countries
Sanctuary Cities – U.S. v. California
Border Walls
September 2017 – DACA to end March 5, 2018
February federal judges in San Francisco and New York have issued injunctions ordering the Trump administration to keep DACA in place while courts consider legal challenges to Trump’s termination of the program
February 26 – Supreme Court rejected Trump administration’s highly unusual bid to bypass federal appeals courts
current immigration policy

16. “Trump fans support a ‘Dreamer’ deal in exchange for added border security, poll shows” sltrib.com
Nationwide poll of conservatives and Republicans
80% support a deal to increase border security in exchange for Dreamer protections
86% of Trump-base voters in support
Utahns have repeatedly expressed support for DACA recipients in local polls
“Republicans understand these kids are just like our kids.”
Immigrants in Utah boost the economy; DACA recipients – 91 percent of whom are employed – help fill a worker shortage.