DACA has opened unprecedented doors for the hundreds of thousands of immigrants brought here who were just starting to settle in with their educations, families, jobs, businesses, etc. My family and I, moving from South Korea to America, had obtained green cards until the incident of 9/11 when our status turned ‘illegal.’
Removing DACA will ultimately be removing my future as well as the future lives of the 800K who have rooted themselves in this country to better support themselves and their families. The lure of the American dream and the land of opportunities have drawn immigrants seeking a better life for themselves and their families. Despite what might be seen as threatening and selfish intentions, these opposers cannot deny that America, without these 800K consisting of intelligent, dedicated, and loving immigrants, would not be the country as we know it to be. Sending the hundreds and thousands of hardworking and passionate individuals back to their birth countries will completely destroy our economy as they are the ones who have been fueling this country from as early as our founding fathers. Immigrants have built this country. They are humble, diligent workers who occupy essential jobs that charge our society’s battery, who spread their culture to build and expand our societal values, who use their voices to change the system of American values for the better. What will be of their futures if and when these people are thrown out, leaving all their work behind? The US depends on us. This country is great because of our diverse choice of immigrants who are crucial in maintaining a level of a healthy working system in everything America stands for.
Yet, President Donald Trump has taken the crops of the harvest away from all the immigrants who build our country, without a second thought. The big question is why our Presidents thinks of this decision as anything but cruel, thoughtless, and insensitive. The only outcome of rescinding this executive order during the Obama Administration will be disrupting the lives of 800,000 immigrants.
During his campaign, President Trump referred to DACA as an “illegal amnesty,” and in June, 11 attorneys from conservative states threatened to sue the Trump administration unless it took immediate steps to end the DACA program. This simple threat has allowed an extremely vital program to be cut, and one without a clear solution or feasible action.
This responsibility sits in the hands of Congress as the order made by the President has faced much debate and conflict., However, it seems he is simply trying to remove the spotlight from the critical issue by passing the job to Congress’ court, their decision still pending. And yet most immigrants very well know that Congress is not likely to pass a measure relatively quickly and especially one that would grant instant security without the stiff opposition from Republicans who have opposed the program since it was promoted. For all we know, any law aimed to protect dreamers would inevitably lead to disapproval and criticism from various groups of people. Republicans and Democrat alike constantly change and stubbornly grasp their stance on the DACA deferral. This has only increased the anxiety of the immigrants, just watching the back-and-forth argument when our lives, and safety, are on the line to rapid deportation.
As a recipient myself, the dismantling of DACA has left me worried, frustrated, and borderline clueless. The process of obtaining a driver’s license, applying for jobs, scholarships, preparing for an entrance into college, and all my hard work and goals for the future are completely unattainable without this program rightfully implemented. I would lose precious friends, mentors, and goals I have been striving to reach that can only be done here. Aspirations I have set foundations for in this country. I am now completely vulnerable to deportation. I cannot imagine what my life would look like if I was forced back to South Korea, and being told I needed to start everything over. Knowing the school and study schedule in Korea is around 7am to 11pm, I am certain I will not be able to take part in any extracurriculars, pursue any of my desired interests, or expand my horizons with my lifelong passions such as running and being a musician.
Immigrants who have adjusted to living a life of opportunities now go to bed and wake up everyday with the fear of deportation due to our undocumented status. I cannot be sure of what comes next for me, what comes after the six months, if I will be eligible to renew my deferred DACA action. From the day DACA was dismantled, I have questioned all that I have been planning for years - whether or not taking my standardized exams are worth anything, making efforts to take driving lessons will outcome in obtaining a license, or if applying for colleges will actually allow me to attend the ones I am accepted to.
In spite of all this, immigrants have shaped and defined the prosperity and culture of our country today. I can proudly say I have contributed to society despite my undocumented status, and I know I am making a positive difference and an added effort along with the other 800,000 daca recipients. Living here for almost 13 years, I still remember the child I was in Korea versus the individual I am today. I came to America following my parents’ call to become missionaries, and along the way, have chosen my own aspirations and goals for the future I plan to have here.
I have grown to love the U.S. and the opportunities it’s given me, to count my blessings, to seek my own career direction, to create hobbies, to work with others to better our small community- all things I could never dream to have back in Korea.
DACA encircles my everything and though the program’s stance pulls back and forth in a last-ditch attempt to save or completely rid the program, my hope in creating the future I dream of remains unfazed.
I am #heretostay
Removing DACA will ultimately be removing my future as well as the future lives of the 800K who have rooted themselves in this country to better support themselves and their families. The lure of the American dream and the land of opportunities have drawn immigrants seeking a better life for themselves and their families. Despite what might be seen as threatening and selfish intentions, these opposers cannot deny that America, without these 800K consisting of intelligent, dedicated, and loving immigrants, would not be the country as we know it to be. Sending the hundreds and thousands of hardworking and passionate individuals back to their birth countries will completely destroy our economy as they are the ones who have been fueling this country from as early as our founding fathers. Immigrants have built this country. They are humble, diligent workers who occupy essential jobs that charge our society’s battery, who spread their culture to build and expand our societal values, who use their voices to change the system of American values for the better. What will be of their futures if and when these people are thrown out, leaving all their work behind? The US depends on us. This country is great because of our diverse choice of immigrants who are crucial in maintaining a level of a healthy working system in everything America stands for.
Yet, President Donald Trump has taken the crops of the harvest away from all the immigrants who build our country, without a second thought. The big question is why our Presidents thinks of this decision as anything but cruel, thoughtless, and insensitive. The only outcome of rescinding this executive order during the Obama Administration will be disrupting the lives of 800,000 immigrants.
During his campaign, President Trump referred to DACA as an “illegal amnesty,” and in June, 11 attorneys from conservative states threatened to sue the Trump administration unless it took immediate steps to end the DACA program. This simple threat has allowed an extremely vital program to be cut, and one without a clear solution or feasible action.
This responsibility sits in the hands of Congress as the order made by the President has faced much debate and conflict., However, it seems he is simply trying to remove the spotlight from the critical issue by passing the job to Congress’ court, their decision still pending. And yet most immigrants very well know that Congress is not likely to pass a measure relatively quickly and especially one that would grant instant security without the stiff opposition from Republicans who have opposed the program since it was promoted. For all we know, any law aimed to protect dreamers would inevitably lead to disapproval and criticism from various groups of people. Republicans and Democrat alike constantly change and stubbornly grasp their stance on the DACA deferral. This has only increased the anxiety of the immigrants, just watching the back-and-forth argument when our lives, and safety, are on the line to rapid deportation.
As a recipient myself, the dismantling of DACA has left me worried, frustrated, and borderline clueless. The process of obtaining a driver’s license, applying for jobs, scholarships, preparing for an entrance into college, and all my hard work and goals for the future are completely unattainable without this program rightfully implemented. I would lose precious friends, mentors, and goals I have been striving to reach that can only be done here. Aspirations I have set foundations for in this country. I am now completely vulnerable to deportation. I cannot imagine what my life would look like if I was forced back to South Korea, and being told I needed to start everything over. Knowing the school and study schedule in Korea is around 7am to 11pm, I am certain I will not be able to take part in any extracurriculars, pursue any of my desired interests, or expand my horizons with my lifelong passions such as running and being a musician.
Immigrants who have adjusted to living a life of opportunities now go to bed and wake up everyday with the fear of deportation due to our undocumented status. I cannot be sure of what comes next for me, what comes after the six months, if I will be eligible to renew my deferred DACA action. From the day DACA was dismantled, I have questioned all that I have been planning for years - whether or not taking my standardized exams are worth anything, making efforts to take driving lessons will outcome in obtaining a license, or if applying for colleges will actually allow me to attend the ones I am accepted to.
In spite of all this, immigrants have shaped and defined the prosperity and culture of our country today. I can proudly say I have contributed to society despite my undocumented status, and I know I am making a positive difference and an added effort along with the other 800,000 daca recipients. Living here for almost 13 years, I still remember the child I was in Korea versus the individual I am today. I came to America following my parents’ call to become missionaries, and along the way, have chosen my own aspirations and goals for the future I plan to have here.
I have grown to love the U.S. and the opportunities it’s given me, to count my blessings, to seek my own career direction, to create hobbies, to work with others to better our small community- all things I could never dream to have back in Korea.
DACA encircles my everything and though the program’s stance pulls back and forth in a last-ditch attempt to save or completely rid the program, my hope in creating the future I dream of remains unfazed.
I am #heretostay