DACA
Sheila Figueroa
On September 5th, 2017, General Jeff Sessions announced that the program Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, also known as DACA, was to be permanently terminated in six months. During this time period, Congress would have the responsibility to come up with a new legislation or permanent fix for the so-called Dreamers. For the last five years, DACA has allowed young, undocumented people to apply for a two-year renewal permit that has made it possible for them to work, obtain a license, go to college, and even study abroad. Not only have these benefits, benefited these young and bright people, but the country overall.
Dreamers contribute to the United States’ economy in many ways. About 97% of DACA recipients are either working or attending school. Dreamers pay for college tuition as any citizen student and for those in the work force, taxes are required. As a matter of fact, the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy estimates that about $2 billion are paid in local and state taxes every year by DACA recipients. In addition, the economy not only benefits from the college tuition being paid by thousands of students, but from the results of these students obtaining a degree. With a degree, dreamers are most likely to pursue a stable job, which ultimately leads to the buying of homes, cars, and other goods. The more consumer spending there is, the more economic growth the country experiences.
So, what would happen if the two-year renewal permit was to be ended or if the Dreamers were to be deported? Deportation would cost the United States about $60 billion, 700,000 jobs would be lost and because of the loss of workers, about $460,000 billion would setback the country. Contributions for programs like Medicare and Social Security would drop by $25 million and it would cost the country at least ten years to recuperate. Businesses around the country will have to fire competent and skilled individuals with high positions that help advance the company and that play a big role on the business’ growth and development.
On the other hand, if Dreamers are given a path to citizenship or are allowed to keep their permit, state and local revenues will increase and states such as California, New York, Texas and Florida will not lose a great amount of tax income. DACA’s fate is still being disputed and it is up to Congress what they want to do about the 850,000 undocumented youth. Youth that economically benefits, impacts and shapes the country.
Dreamers contribute to the United States’ economy in many ways. About 97% of DACA recipients are either working or attending school. Dreamers pay for college tuition as any citizen student and for those in the work force, taxes are required. As a matter of fact, the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy estimates that about $2 billion are paid in local and state taxes every year by DACA recipients. In addition, the economy not only benefits from the college tuition being paid by thousands of students, but from the results of these students obtaining a degree. With a degree, dreamers are most likely to pursue a stable job, which ultimately leads to the buying of homes, cars, and other goods. The more consumer spending there is, the more economic growth the country experiences.
So, what would happen if the two-year renewal permit was to be ended or if the Dreamers were to be deported? Deportation would cost the United States about $60 billion, 700,000 jobs would be lost and because of the loss of workers, about $460,000 billion would setback the country. Contributions for programs like Medicare and Social Security would drop by $25 million and it would cost the country at least ten years to recuperate. Businesses around the country will have to fire competent and skilled individuals with high positions that help advance the company and that play a big role on the business’ growth and development.
On the other hand, if Dreamers are given a path to citizenship or are allowed to keep their permit, state and local revenues will increase and states such as California, New York, Texas and Florida will not lose a great amount of tax income. DACA’s fate is still being disputed and it is up to Congress what they want to do about the 850,000 undocumented youth. Youth that economically benefits, impacts and shapes the country.
