What to Do about DACA

            The topic of discussion for this Constitution Monday concerns the problem of what to do with “children” who were brought to the United States illegally. Barack Obama signed an executive order known as the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, known as DACA, and Donald Trump campaigned on doing away with the program. Trump has been wrestling with the problem since he became President, but he has not yet signed an executive order to do so.

            The problem of what to do with these illegal “children” is a difficult one. It puts numerous groups of people “between a rock and a hard place.” Most of the “children” had no control whatsoever on their parents’ decision to come to the United States illegally. Yet, they are here. They have no documentation, and they usually live in the “shadows” of our nation in fear of being deported. They are able to work legally only if they receive a two-year work permit through the DACA program to do so.

            Rumors say that President Trump is close to reaching a decision regarding the DACA plan. He is treading in dangerous territory no matter what decision he makes. Democrats and some Republicans do not support the President’s plan to scrap the program. The President’s base supporters want to bring an end to illegal immigration, including ending the work permits.

            According to the rumors, President Trump plans to end the program with a six-month phase out time and kick the problem to Congress where it belongs. This would give Congress six months to write an immigration bill. Congressional leaders do not want this responsibility. Speaker of the House Paul Ryan thinks that Congress should act on the problem, but he thinks that President Trump should keep the program. Knowing that Congress has a poor record of doing the people’s work, many people do not trust Congress to do anything about this problem that involves 800,000 illegal immigrants.

            Compassion says that a way should be made for these immigrants who were brought here as children and who are now adults to stay in the United States. Rule of law says that they are here illegally and should return to their country of origin – even if they have no ties to that country. Common sense says that they should not be granted amnesty and a path to citizenship.

            I believe that President Trump should sign an executive order ending the DACA program. I also believe that Congress should stop procrastinating and start legislating. Hopefully, they will come up with a plan that uses the rule of law and common sense as well as compassion to solve this huge problem.