People think that the DACA program should be preserved because it benefits many young immigrants. 

 According to “DACA has changed lives “, DACA has provided renewable two-year work permits and temporary relief from deportation for young immigrants who moved to the United States as children. To date, DACA has provided more than 800,000 young people opportunities to pursue their dreams and reach their full potential. DACA is perhaps the most successful policy of immigrant integration in the last three decades. Originally the DACA program was removed when we got a new president and now many young immigrants have no opportunity to follow their dreams. In a random survey of 20 people, 6 out of 10 students personally know people that benefit from the DACA program, as well as 8 out of 10 teachers/adults. 

“I support what DACA provides to those who receive it. DACA has provided so many young people the opportunity to go to school and work in the country without the fear of deportation. I actually did a research project during my senior year of college on how to best support undocumented high school students. One of the things I identified is that fear leads to an incredible amount of issues including poor academic success. By providing some form of documentation, DACA recipients are able to work and go to school with a reduced amount of fear. Part of the research I did during college was understanding what DACA is to help support students through the process, if they were eligible. To apply for DACA, people had to meet a number of requirements including having completed high school, have no criminal record, been in the United States since before they were 16 and been in the country since June 2007, among other requirements. The authorization DACA provides to those who receive it can be renewed every two years. There is no pathway to citizenship though. I remember when President Trump announced his administration would phase out DACA and would no longer receive new applications. I was closely following the case when it made its way to the Supreme Court. The court ruled against the President, but to clarify, the court found the process that was used to phase out DACA was unconstitutional, not DACA itself. The fear of DACA potentially being removed is still there since the Supreme Court made no ruling regarding its content. I do. I have a few friends from high school who receive DACA as well as some friends I met during college,” said Ms. Brenda Lopez, civics teacher.

Students apply repeatedly because they want to succeed in this country; this is their home.

“I believe DACA is a great opportunity for students who want to pursue further education and a career in the United States. A majority of these students have entered the United States as toddlers and have only experienced life in the United States. Providing DACA for students allows them to have access to the opportunities they have dreamed about as they were growing up in the US. I know that the process to apply for DACA is long and expensive, if an application is approved the person will only be granted with DACA for 2 years. I think when the 2 year period is about to expire, they are to apply once again. This process is incredibly draining for DACA recipients and puts them in a financial burden when they could be using the money for their own necessities and expenses. There shouldn’t be so many barriers for a person to be given a permit to be in the US. I wish I knew more about DACA in order to share information to students as sometimes students feel more comfortable speaking to their teachers instead of other staff members who don’t know them well. I do know of a few people who are DACA recipients. They have been brave enough to share their story on various social media platforms. Since I personally know these people, I know they have put a lot of effort into everything they do to be in a good standing in this country. DACA recipients are very deserving for the approval and should continue to be protected under DACA for more than 2 years,” said Ms. Montalvo, Spanish teacher.

Even though the program is expensive, it’s very worth it.

“DACA is an incredible aid/service. Our government provides undocumented people in the United States the opportunity to work & study without citizenship or threat of deportation. I do think it is too expensive and continues to hinder many people from opportunity as much as it does provide opportunity for those who seek it due to the financial burden of its fees. However, I know people that directly benefit from receiving DACA including Morton alumni,” said Ms. Huerta English teacher. 

DACA takes away some of the fear of deportation, and allows immigrants to work — which ultimately helps the economy.

“I know that it gives rights for immigrants to stay in the U.S. also have right to be free. I know it also helps with financial. It’s a like a licensed for immigrants who don’t have papers and are working very hard to become a U.S. citizen. It’s a great opportunity or organization because I know a few people who are unlicensed U.S. citizens.  DACA has been there for them since the start of the year,” said senior Jose Nava.

The DACA program benefits students in many ways. 

“(DACA) helps the immigrants go to school and be able to work. I think that it’s an amazing thing because it helps so many immigrants be able to work towards something and have a better future here in the US,” said senior Yesenia Hernandez.

By all means, the only thing undocumented students want is to be successful.