DACA Anniversary Underscores Implications of Presidential Election

WASHINGTON, D.C. — On the fourth anniversary of its announcement, the Obama administration’s Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program (DACA) showcases in clear terms the powerful implications of this presidential election for immigrants and immigration.

The program has helped many young immigrants succeed, but that success comes with an asterisk, and far too many DACA recipients and others remain in limbo.

“DACA changed my life completely,” said Angelica Hernandez, who graduated from Stanford University with a master’s in engineering. “I was able to get a job in something I studied and have a degree in. I was able to buy a home and do something as simple as starting to build credit.”

But this year’s erratic presidential campaign has made it exceedingly clear that the future is uncertain for 728,000 DACA recipients. A new president could end the program — to say nothing of mass deportation proposals that would target millions, cost billions and dismantle our national values.

“The success stories of these remarkable young people stand on their own,” said Ali Noorani, executive director of the National Immigration Forum Action Fund. “When our nation’s immigrants are able to contribute fully, our country thrives.

“The more we can do to help people emerge from the shadows, the better. DACA recipients have only temporary relief. Imagine their contributions under the full protection of legislations signed into law by the 45th president.

“The difference between presidential candidates could not be more clear. Hillary Clinton has committed to upholding DACA and moving forward with immigration reform legislation in her first 100 days. Donald Trump has committed to ending the program and deporting 11 million undocumented immigrants. In politics, clear choices are good.”