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CEIA Sends Letter of Support for the Continuation of DACA

By: CEIA’s Board of Directors recently submitted the following letter of support for the continuation of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program:

January 11, 2018

The Honorable Donald J. Trump
President
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20500

Dear President Trump:

The Cooperative Education and Internship Association (CEIA) unreservedly supports the continuation of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. We write to encourage you to support the program as an illustration of our values as a just and moral country.

The young people who qualify for the DACA program came to this country as dependent children, unable to make choices for themselves and without any knowledge that their presence was a violation of the law. They were raised and attended school alongside American children and see themselves as Americans. They seek only the same things as their native-born peers; education, career opportunities, and a safe and welcoming place to build a life. Deporting them back to a country that is unfamiliar, potentially unsafe, and where they may not even speak the language is counter to the American dedication to integrity.

There are two major considerations in support of DACA, in addition to the moral issues. Those who qualify for DACA status are not a threat to the safety and security of the American people. The eligibility restrictions and the vetting process to be admitted to the program ensure that these young people have no criminal background and complete a minimum level of education to be able to support themselves.

DACA recipients add significantly to the country’s economy. The Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy has estimated that DACA recipients currently pay $2 billion in taxes annually. Enrolling all those eligible would add an additional $425 million annually, as those unenrolled cannot legally work. DACA recipients are not eligible for government programs, such as welfare, healthcare subsidies, federal student loans, so the taxes they pay are a net gain for the government, state and federal. Creating a path to citizenship for those on DACA would further increase their positive, financial impact on the country.

Additionally, as individuals employed in organizations and institutions of higher education across the country, we see how DACA recipients enrich the culture of our workplaces, our communities, and our nation.  DACA students are contributing to internship and co-op programs nation-wide and are part of a pipeline of talent meeting the needs of employers.  As a country of immigrants, we have the opportunity to implement a solution that integrates American values and our commitment to welcome those seeking to better themselves and our nation.

For these reasons, we urge you to continue the DACA program until a stable and fair solution is legislated to address the predicament of the “Dreamers.” Supporting the DACA program is the right choice, as a demonstration of our national moral compass, as a safety measure, and as a monetary advantage. We implore you to let these individuals remain in the United States and continue their valuable contributions to our campuses, communities, and country.

Sincerely,

Scott Maynard

2017-18 CEIA President

Categorized in: Advocacy, DACA

This post was written by rich@ceiainc.org