The administration’s decision to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program in early September has created a worldwide controversy.  The administration’s decision to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program in early September has created a worldwide controversy.

But why? The reasoning comes from a belief that DACA is “illegal amnesty”, according to Trump in his presidential campaign.

Nearly 800,000 undocumented youth are affected by this action, including many Gustavus students.

“We are committed to supporting our DACA students and all members of the Gustavus community during this time of uncertainty,” Rebecca Bergman, president of the college said.

The DACA is a program created by Obama in 2012 that allows certain people called Dreamers, who came to the U.S. illegally as minors, to be protected from immediate deportation.

The program was passed to allow the people who “continue to contribute to our communities and our country,” to continue doing so, according to Obama in his Facebook response.

He states, “self-defeating … and it is cruel.”

One is eligible to request DACA if they were under age 31 and have lived in the country continuously since June 15, 2012 and if they came to the U.S. before turning 16.

They must have a high school diploma, GED certification, been honorably discharged from the military, or still be in school.

“We recognize how they have enriched and strengthened our cities, states, schools, businesses, congregations, and families.” – Rebecca Bergman

They cannot have a criminal record.  It does not make one a legal citizen.

DACA offers a “reprieve from a life of uncertainty for innocent kids who didn’t break the law,” according to Fox News.

Although not every student is directly affected, there is still much sympathy for those that are again living in a state of fear.

Britta Lundgren‘21 says she doesn’t agree with Trump because the kids who “had no choice to come here don’t get the freedom to live here safely.”

Another First-year Nyombia agrees with her: “I strongly disagree with [it]… It saddens me that that’s even an option.”

Gustavus President Bergman believes the end to the program “stands in contrast to the College’s values and our commitment to supporting students from all backgrounds.”

On September 6, 2017, she sent an email to the Gustavus community promoting support for all DACA students at Gustavus, as well as the 800,000 total affected.

Bergman has contacted students and expressed support for protection from deportation.  Nearly 2,000 leaders have signed a letter asking for protection for Dreamers:

“As leaders of communities across the country – individuals and institutions that have seen these young people grow up in our communities – we recognize how they have enriched and strengthened our cities, states, schools, businesses, congregations and families,” Bergman said in her letter.

Democrat Tom Perez slammed the decision as “the latest tactic in the Republican playbook to promote hate and discrimination” according to Fox News.

“Trump has secured his legacy as a champion for cruelty,” Perez said.

On the other hand, Republicans, who opposed Obama’s program initially, are promoting Trump because “the president does not have the authority to waive immigration law, nor does he have the authority to create it out of thin air,” Republican Steve King said, who believes it to be an overreach of executive power.

He suggests that DACA recipients should turn their parents in to federal immigration authorities.

Many republicans do not believe in the program but do agree with passing some sort of legislation to fix the ongoing issue of illegal immigration.

“It is my hope that the House and Senate, with the president’s leadership, will be able to find consensus on a permanent legislative solution that includes ensuring that those who have done nothing wrong can still contribute as a valued part of this great country,” House Speaker Paul Ryan said.

It has become nearly impossible, though, for Congress to come to a consensus.

Currently, no new DACA requests are being processed, but previous recipients will still be included.

Those without acceptance into the program are to await their fate while congress decides if the program should stay in place.

Just one week after the announced removal, Trump expresses on Twitter that they shouldn’t “throw out good, educated and accomplished young people who have jobs.”

Removing the program could also put a hold on Trump’s plan to build the wall along the border, as well as DACA members’ ability to serve in the army, Fox said.

After a meeting between Trump and Democratic leaders, no set decision about the fate of the Dreamers has been reached.