The Trump Administration winding down the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) leaves 800,000 young people in jeopardy of deportation. This “dreamers” act, which was implemented by former President Barack Obama, was the vanguard for the children of undocumented citizens, allowing them to work and receive an education in our country while having the immunity from deportation.
Since Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the repeal of DACA, many recipients displayed their opposition to Trump’s decision by peacefully protesting, having school walkouts and marches across the country.
Many DACA recipients feel fear, anger and confusion about why they are now a target for deportation. A number of them had no choice but to seek refuge with their family in a different country.
The repeal of DACA has some asking who is going to fill in all the jobs that were once worked by illegal immigrants. The construction industry would potentially experience a spike of labor scarcity due to many alleged undocumented migrant workers that operate in that profession. Similarly, the fruit and vegetable industries reportedly use undocumented migrant workers.
Colorado Mesa University students have not been immune to worry after the announcement to repeal DACA was made. The Latino Student Alliance (LSA) met on Thursday to discuss concerns about the future.
CMU President Tim Foster has been proactive in trying to quell student concerns. Foster issued a statement of solidarity to CMU students after the announcement, in which he told recipients of DACA: “we stand with you.”
When asked where DACA students can go to find safety and protection, Foster expressed confidence in the campus as a whole being a safe space and reiterated that CMU supports DACA.
Diversity alliances such as LSA, Ho’olokahi Polynesian Club Alliance, Gay Straight Alliance and the Cultural Diversity Board are in solidarity and support of DACA.
Spanish professor Tom Acker is doing his part to comfort and support immigrant students. Acker has worked with 200 students that directly benefit from DACA that he believes ultimately make a difference.
Acker is a part of the Hispanic Affairs Project (HAP). As a university representative, he finds it important to get involved and understand the Latino community.
In response to fears shared by multiple immigrant students, Acker made it known that DACA will offer legal advice in case an individual is confronted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents or have fear of being questioned by ICE. The legal advice is completely confidential.
Trump’s decision to repeal DACA does not necessarily sign the death warrant for the act. DACA is not scheduled to end for another six months, and congress has an opportunity to intercede on behalf of young immigrants.
Acker desires to see congress repeat a precedent set by a former Republican president.
“I want to see what Ronald Reagan did in with legalizing the presence of workers and people who are paying taxes raising children and doing positive in the community,” Acker said.
Currently, the most that Foster, Acker and diversity alliances can do is offer comfort and support while waiting to see if congress wants to follow their example and stand with DACA students.
