Could the New Bipartisan Immigration Proposal Be the Compromise that Solves the Dilemma Facing Dreamers?
March 5th is fast approaching, and U.S. lawmakers continue to be unable to come up with a legislative solution for the “dreamers,” who are immigrants who were brought to the U.S. illegally as children. Former president Obama’s Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, which provided protection for Dreamers, has been rescinded by president Trump. Now Senators John McCain (R-AZ) and Christopher Coons (D-Del) have introduced a bill that links a path to citizenship for dreamers with border security measures that does not include funding for a U.S.-Mexico border wall. However, president Trump said in a tweet:
“Any deal on DACA that does not include STRONG border security and the desperately needed WALL is a total waste of time,” he tweeted. “March 5th is rapidly approaching, and the Dems seem not to care about DACA. Make a deal!” (The Hill)
Unless Congress acts, about 700,000 DACA beneficiaries will face deportation starting on March 5th, 2018. According to a story in The Hill, the McCain-Coons bill mirrors a House bill that was introduced by Reps. Will Hurd (R-Texas) and Rep. Pete Aguilar (D. CA) that has more than 50 co-sponsors, including 27 Republicans. The House bill would provide legal status and a path to citizenship for dreamers who entered the U.S. as minors prior to the end of 2013.
While the McCain-Coons bill does not solve all immigration issues, Coons said in a Washington Post story, “it does address the two most pressing problems we face: protecting DACA recipients and securing the border.” Congress’s failure to reach an immigration deal has already caused the three-day government shut-down in January; now lawmakers are running out of time as the temporary spending bill runs out in a few days.
President Trump has insisted that if an immigration deal is to be accepted, it must include funding for a border wall that would divide the United States from Mexico. Trump insisted throughout his campaign that the Mexican government would pay for the wall, however they insist that they will not be doing so.
Once again, we find ourselves facing a dilemma that is not going to be easily solved given the divided climate of our government. It would be tragic if this country is forced to deport 700,000 young people who are working and going to college, raising families and contributing to the economy simply because our fractured government lacked the political will to keep a promise to those who ended up here through no fault of their own.
At the Law Offices of LaFevor & Slaughter, our Tennessee immigration attorneys work diligently to keep immigrants from being deported. You are welcome to call us at 865-637-6258 or complete our contact form to arrange a free consultation. Our Knoxville immigration lawyers are dedicated to helping you and your loved ones live in and enjoy America.
As the Managing Attorney with LaFevor & Slaughter, Jason R. Hines handles new client consultations, strategic planning and implementation and represents clients in all the Firm’s practice areas.
As an attorney practicing law in Tennessee since 2009, Jason has represented clients from all walks of life in a wide range of cases in the State and Federal Courts of Tennessee. His practice areas include divorce, family law and immigration.