Defending the Dreamers – The legal battle for the right to private mythology.

Defending the Dreamers – The legal battle for the right to private mythology

The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, introduced in 2012 by the Obama administration, has been a beacon of hope for many young undocumented immigrants who were brought to the United States as children. Also known as “Dreamers,” these individuals have grown up in America, attended school, and contributed to society without a formal pathway to citizenship.

However, in September 2017, President Trump announced that he would be terminating DACA, sparking widespread outrage and legal challenges from advocates for immigrant rights. In response, courts have issued injunctions preventing the government from ending the program, allowing Dreamers to continue their lives without fear of deportation.

The Legal Battle

The fight over DACA has been marked by a series of court battles, with each side presenting arguments and evidence in support of their position. In November 2018, the Supreme Court agreed to hear the case “Trump v. NAACP Legal Defense Fund”, which focuses on whether the Trump administration’s decision to end DACA was lawful.

Quotes from Key Players

“I think the President is trying to find a way to make himself look good by ending DACA, but it’s going to have devastating consequences for Dreamers and their families,” said Monica Sanchez, an attorney with the American Progress organization.

“We believe that the Trump administration has no legal authority to end DACA, as it was a policy change made by the Obama administration based on Congress’s failure to pass comprehensive immigration reform,” argued Michael Kagan, a law professor at Georgetown University.

The Human Impact

The legal battle over DACA has had significant human consequences. Dreamers have been forced to live in limbo, unsure of their status or whether they will be able to continue living and working in the United States. Many have faced increased scrutiny and harassment from immigration authorities, leading to widespread anxiety and stress.

“A lot of us are feeling like we’re stuck in a never-ending nightmare,” said Daisy Hernández, an undocumented immigrant who is part of the “Here to Stay” movement. “We just want to be able to live our lives without fear of being deported or separated from our families.”

What’s Next?

The Supreme Court’s decision on the DACA case is expected in June 2020, and could have far-reaching implications for the future of immigration policy in the United States. In the meantime, advocates for immigrant rights continue to push for comprehensive reform that would provide a pathway to citizenship for Dreamers and other undocumented immigrants.

“Ultimately, we need Congress to pass legislation that addresses the root causes of migration and provides a clear path to citizenship for Dreamers,” said Lisa López, an advocate with the American Progress organization. “We can’t continue to leave Dreamers in limbo, waiting for a solution that may never come.”