Lecture on DACA and Its Impact

Introduction

• Juan Escalante's story as a case study
  • Came to the US from Venezuela at age 11
  • Graduated college but couldn't work due to undocumented status

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)

• Announced in June 2012 by the Department of Homeland Security
• Protection from deportation and work permits for those who:
  • Came to the US before turning 16
• Nearly 800,000 applied for DACA

Rescinding of DACA

• US government rescinded DACA
• DACA was designed for DREAMers
  • Named after the DREAM Act which aimed to provide legal status

The DREAM Act

• Bill with bipartisan support to give legal status to unauthorized immigrants
• Failed to pass with 60 votes in the Senate in 2010
• Still popular among the public

Political Context

• Announced during the 2012 Presidential campaign
• Republicans were ambivalent about it being a campaign issue
  • Some support for helping children in legal limbo

Expansion Attempts and Legal Challenges

• 2014: Obama proposed expansion to include older immigrants and parents
• Would affect 4.5 million people
• 26 states sued the Obama administration
  • Judge ruled expansions likely unconstitutional

Shift in Political Climate

• Donald Trump's immigration platform
  • Hardline stance on illegal immigration
  • DACA's future uncertain after his election

Actions Under Trump Administration

• Delay in ending DACA despite other immigration order revocations
• Pressure from states threatening lawsuits if DACA not ended

Impact of DACA

• Survey results:
  • 70% got better-paying jobs
  • 60% opened first bank account
  • 65% bought first car and pursued education
• Future uncertainty when protections expire:
  • Risk of returning to pre-2012 conditions (no legal work, risk of deportation)