Columbus Circle rally, Nov 9, 2017 - Rhododendrites
What is the DREAM Act?
The DREAM Act (Development, Relief, and Education Act for Minors), introduced in 2001, was intended to create a process by which immigrants would be able to apply for conditional residency, leading to permanent residency, based upon their age at time of entry into the United States. The DREAM Act failed to pass both houses of Congress.
What is DACA?
When the DREAM Act legislation failed to pass, President Obama initiated the immigration policy known as the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) in 2012. DACA provides a 2-year deferment from deportation actions and provides eligibility for a work permit. The requirements for participating in DACA are:
Under the age of 31 as of June 15, 2012;
Entered the United States by the 16th birthday;
Continuous residence in the United States since June 15, 2007;
Physically present in the United States on June 15, 2012 and at the time of the request for consideration under DACA
Had no lawful status on June 15, 2012;
Currently in school, graduated or obtained a certificate of completion from a high school, or have obtained a GED, or honorably discharged veteran of the Coast Guard or Armed Forces of the United States, and;
Have not been convicted of a felony, significant misdemeanor, or three or more misdemeanors, and do not otherwise pose a threat to national security or public safety.
Adapted from Georgetown Law Library
Why Rescind DACA?
The Trump administration believes that President Obama overstepped his authority by initiating the DACA policy, and that the result is a kind of amnesty for undocumented immigrants. The administration insists that it is the job of Congress alone to legislate immigration policy, and no exceptions should be made. This is part of the administration’s effort to discourage and limit the number of immigrants to the U.S.
San Francisco rally, Sep 5, 2017 - Pax Ahimsa Gethen