Immigration Reform to Extend DACA is a No-Brainer

It is a No-Brainer

Passing immigration reform to extend DACA in order to give the Dreamers (undocumented immigrants who were brought here as children) a legitimate and legal place in our society is a no-brainer. We have to do it. Most Americans know that, and poll after poll has shown that they support it. Moreover, this is one of the rare cases where we can do the right thing while serving our own interest at the same time.  

It is Right and Just 

Giving the Dreamers a legal and legitimate place in our society is right and just, and it is also good for our economy and ultimately, for all of us. It is right and just for two reasons. First, the Dreamers were brought here through no decision of their own. They did not set out to break any law, and they should not be punished. 

Second, the Dreamers have become integral parts of our communities. They attend our schools, serve in our military and work in our businesses.  They pay our taxes. We have accepted their participation in our community life for many years, and it would be wrong for us to turn around now and say, “Sorry bud, you will have to move on.”   

We cannot become the kinds of people who would treat long-time members of our communities so heartlessly. We must heed the biblical injunction, which says (Exodus 22:21), “You shall not oppress the foreigner who lives among you. For you know the heart of a foreigner. For you were foreigners in the land of Egypt.”

It is in Our Financial Interest

Giving the Dreamers a legitimate and legal place in our society is also in our own financial interest. Our economy is strong and growing, and our population is aging. We need skilled workers to power the continued growth of our economy, and the Dreamers are precisely the workers we need. They are educated; they speak our language and understand our customs; and they have an immigrant’s drive and determination to succeed. In short, they are ideal workers.

The Dreamers also help our economy as consumers. They buy houses and cars, and they shop in our malls. They pay taxes to support our public institutions. 

Act Now: Call Your Legislators

So, this is a no-brainer. No one with an ounce of compassion or an ounce of good sense can oppose passing a law to extend DACA and to give the Dreamers a legitimate and legal place in our society. They have earned it.

Call your senators and representatives and tell them to support legislation to extend the protections that DACA has offered.