The Necessity of Upholding and Expanding DACA

The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) policy has been a topic of heated debate in the United States since its inception in 2012. This policy allows undocumented immigrants who came to the country as children to receive a renewable two-year period of deferred action from deportation and eligibility for a work permit. The program has provided relief to hundreds of thousands of young immigrants, known as Dreamers, who have grown up in the United States and consider it their home. However, DACA has also faced significant opposition, with critics arguing that it is an overreach of executive authority and rewards illegal immigration. This essay will argue that DACA is a beneficial and necessary policy that should be upheld and expanded.

One of the primary arguments in favor of DACA is the economic benefit it provides to the United States. According to a study by the Center for American Progress, ending DACA would result in a $460.3 billion reduction in the national GDP over the next decade. This is due to the fact that DACA recipients are able to work legally and contribute to the economy. In addition, DACA recipients pay taxes, contribute to Social Security, and are able to pursue higher education, all of which have a positive impact on the economy. Furthermore, a study by the Cato Institute found that ending DACA would lead to a loss of $280 billion in economic growth over the next decade. These statistics clearly demonstrate the economic value of DACA and the negative consequences of ending the program.

Another compelling argument in support of DACA is the moral imperative to protect Dreamers who were brought to the United States as children and have grown up in the country. Many DACA recipients have no memory of their country of origin and consider the United States to be their home. Deporting these individuals to a country they do not know would be cruel and unjust. As former President Barack Obama stated when he announced the creation of DACA, "These are young people who study in our schools, they play in our neighborhoods, they're friends with our kids, they pledge allegiance to our flag. They are Americans in their heart, in their minds, in every single way but one: on paper." It is clear that DACA recipients are an integral part of American society and should be protected from deportation.

Furthermore, DACA has been shown to have a positive impact on the mental health and well-being of its recipients. A study published in the International Migration Review found that DACA eligibility is associated with a significant reduction in symptoms of psychological distress among undocumented young adults. This is not surprising, as the ability to work legally and pursue educational opportunities provides a sense of security and stability that is crucial for mental well-being. Protecting DACA recipients from deportation is not only the morally right thing to do, but it also has tangible benefits for their mental health.

DACA is a beneficial and necessary policy that provides economic, moral, and psychological benefits. The program allows young immigrants who have grown up in the United States to work legally, contribute to the economy, and pursue higher education. Furthermore, it protects these individuals from the threat of deportation to a country they do not know, which is the morally right thing to do. Finally, DACA has been shown to have a positive impact on the mental health and well-being of its recipients. For these reasons, DACA should be upheld and expanded to provide relief to more young immigrants who call the United States their home.