Xavier Becerra.
Attorney General,
California
DACA Is Lawful And Making America Stronger
It is time for the Trump
administration to fulfill our national promise to Dreamers and guarantee their
safety within our borders.
Over the last five years, Dreamers ― immigrants
brought to the United States as young children by their parents without
documents ― have paid fees, passed background checks and applied for work
permits so they could step out of the shadows. They’ve earned a chance to
fulfill their potential, contribute to our economy and enrich our communities.
The dreams of a brighter future that fuel these
young people are made possible by the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals
initiative, or DACA, which began accepting applications five years ago this
month. Since then, nearly 800,000 young people nationwide have been granted the
peace of mind to grow, work and study without fear.
These young people pursue careers that range
from serving our country in the military to joining the ranks of police
officers to teaching the next generation of leaders in the classroom. William
Medeiros, who was brought to the United States from Brazil when he was six
years old, proudly serves in the Army. He’s not alone. Harbinger Saini, a
native of India who has also lived here since he was six, has been ready to
fight for the only country he knows, wherever the U.S. military wants to send
him.
Yet, these are uncertain times for Dreamers
across the nation. Many hardworking, patriotic people like William and
Harbinger dread what could come next. The Trump administration has sent mixed
messages about DACA. Some have taken this as a license to disparage Dreamers
and scorned other hardworking immigrants who are simply labeled dangerous
criminals. As the son of immigrants, I find such fearmongering repulsive. As
the father of three daughters, I am heartbroken when I meet young people living
in fear that their hopes and dreams will be dashed.
