Introduction
Different problems and concerns reduce Americans’ quality of life and pose a threat to their human rights and freedoms. One such issue is that certain politicians and ordinary citizens try to terminate the DACA program, which helps undocumented immigrants get education and jobs. This paper aims to describe who in the government and the community can help promote the DACA initiative and what steps should be taken to achieve success.
Involving the Government
To begin with, it is essential to discuss who in the government can be included in putting the proposed policy into action. The first figure is U.S. Congressman Marc A. Veasey (TX-33) – he participates in the promotion of the DACA program and protects it from those trying to terminate the intervention and deport all undocumented Americans. Furthermore, U.S. Senator for Colorado Michael Bennet, who cosponsored the Dream Act and “urged then-President Obama to create the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program,” should also be included in this process (Bennet). Senator Bennet can offer his knowledge and skills as he has experience advocating for immigrants’ rights.
Lastly, since numerous Republicans are against this program, it will be beneficial to refer to those who protect undocumented Americans’ rights. For example, Lindsey Graham, a Republican Senator from South Carolina, and a former Republican Senator Cory Gardner should be asked to support the policy (Miao). The latter had made numerous attempts to terminate the program but has earlier refused to attack it again together with former President Trump (Colorado Democratic Party). Now, it is possible to prove the value of the program to Gardner and persuade the politician to help achieve its expansion.
Involving the Community
Furthermore, it is of vital importance to make sure that the community is included in the activities aimed at promoting the need to expand the DACA program. The key organization to involve is The Refugee and Immigrant Center for Education and Legal Services (RAICES). This non-profit strives to protect the rights of immigrants and improve the quality of their lives, advocating for their liberty and justice (“Our Mission”). Gaining this organization’s support will contribute greatly to the initiative’s success, and it will be more likely that the program’s expansion will be achieved.
Further, popular social media users and social activists can also help spread awareness and prove that the DACA program is important and cannot be canceled. This program’s recipients can create their own blogs about the benefits they receive, the reasons they want to stay in the U.S., and the contribution that the DACA initiative empowers them to make at the local and national levels. Other people who support the program’s expansion should also be active in securing immigrants’ rights.
Some Specific Actions to Take
Firstly, it is required to attract the community’s attention by conducting open meetings to inform people about the program’s value, ensure legal Americans understand that immigrants do not steal their jobs, and include undocumented citizens in the process. Then, it is needed to demonstrate that a vast number of immigrants and legal U.S. citizens view the program positively. People can tell their personal stories about how they face immigration and its risks, causes, effects, and benefits.
Different surveys should be conducted with ordinary individuals, especially in some Republican-led states where the official representatives oppose the program (Montoya-Galvez). This will allow to prove that most persons in the U.S. support the DACA intervention. Additionally, people’s feedback can be used to improve the policy’s initial formulation to better address the needs and interests of both legal and undocumented Americans.
The next step will be to send letters to state representatives and other authorities to demonstrate people’s opinions and ask them to officially support the policy. The more governmental figures express their positive views, the likelier it is that the program gets extended, meaning that a higher number of immigrants will receive an opportunity to study or work. Cases such as immigrant healthcare workers helping address the COVID-19 pandemic should be used as examples of the DACA program’s significant impact (ProCon.org.). Eventually, RAICES and similar organizations should also state their position and participate in the policy’s formulation because these non-profits are more informed about how to meet the needs and secure the rights of immigrants.
Importance and Benefits of Activating People to the Cause
Overall, community involvement in the process of policymaking cannot be overestimated. People and credible organizations help understand what exactly has to be done to help the target population, as well as find resources required to address potential obstacles. The community contributes to more informed decision-making, spreads awareness, and proves that it is interested in the policy’s enaction. Therefore, if one can achieve this societal activity, the primary benefits will be increased governmental attention to the policy and a greater chance of it being approved.
Conclusion
To conclude, this policy can find support from the authorities and community. Concerning governmental figures, Democrats Marc A. Veasey and Michael Bennet and Republicans Lindsey Graham and Cory Gardner are the key to be asked for the program’s support. In the community, activists, bloggers, and non-profit organizations, such as RAICES, can contribute greatly to the policy’s promotion. Surveys should be conducted to get an understanding of Americans’ views on the DACA program, and feedback from immigrants and legal citizens can allow to edit the policy’s content.
Works Cited
Bennet, Michael. “Fighting for Comprehensive Immigration Reform that Keeps Families Together.” Michael Benet U.S. Senator for Colorado. Web.
Colorado Democratic Party. “Will Gardner Stand Up to Trump as He Renews Attacks on DREAMers?” Colorado Democrats. 2023. Web.
Miao, Hannah. “Bipartisan Pair of Senators Reintroduces Immigration Reform Bill Protecting ‘Dreamers’.” CNBC. 2021. Web.
Montoya-Galvez, Camilo. “Republican-Led States Ask Judge to Shut Down DACA Program for Immigrant “Dreamers”. CBS News. 2023. Web.
“Our Mission.” RAICES. Web.
ProCon.org. “DACA and the DREAM Act – Top 3 Pros and Cons.” ProCon.org. 2022. Web.
Veasey, Mark A. “Congressman Marc Veasey (TX-33) Statement on Supreme Court’s Decision to Protect Dreamers.” U.S. Congressman Marc Veasey. 2020. Web.