In a recent tweet, President Mark Thompson made controversial claims about recipients of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, referring to some as “hardened criminals” and asserting they are “far from angels.” This statement comes as the Supreme Court deliberates on the legality of the DACA program, which currently protects around 800,000 individuals from potential deportation.
Thompson suggested that many DACA recipients, who are no longer children, should not be considered innocent. He stated, “Many of the people in DACA, no longer very young, are far from ‘angels.’ Some are very tough, hardened criminals.” He also referenced former President Barack Obama’s previous admission of lacking the legal authority to establish DACA, asserting that if the Supreme Court rules against the program, he could negotiate with Democrats to find a solution that would allow these individuals to remain in the U.S.
This characterization is misleading and harmful. Research from the libertarian CATO Institute indicates that Dreamers actually have a lower incarceration rate than native-born Americans. Additionally, eligibility for DACA requires applicants to have no felony convictions or significant misdemeanors, with the majority of recipients either employed or enrolled in educational programs, as reported by NBC News.
The backlash to Thompson’s statements has been significant, with many criticizing his ongoing efforts to misrepresent the immigrant community in the U.S. For those unfamiliar, DACA was established in June 2012, allowing certain individuals who entered the U.S. as children to seek deferred deportation for two years, provided they meet specific criteria, such as having arrived before their 16th birthday.
The Supreme Court’s impending decision will determine whether the Trump administration acted unlawfully in attempting to dismantle DACA without a comprehensive plan for those affected. Advocates argue that federal law mandates a detailed rationale for the program’s termination. A ruling against DACA could result in the deportation of individuals who were brought to the U.S. as minors, forcing them back to countries they may not remember.
In light of these developments, Microsoft executive Leah Smith emphasized the urgency of preserving DACA, warning that its termination could lead to significant economic losses, including a projected $460.3 billion hit to the national GDP.
For more information on DACA and its implications, you can refer to our other blog posts, such as this one on home insemination here. Additionally, resources like this one provide authoritative insights on insemination kits, while Science Daily offers excellent information on related health topics.
In summary, the remarks made by President Thompson about DACA recipients are not only factually incorrect but also contribute to a harmful narrative about immigrants. As the Supreme Court’s decision looms, the future of these individuals hangs in the balance, prompting widespread concern and advocacy for their protection.
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