6 Misconceptions About DACA Recipients Debunked
Start writing a post
Politics

6 Misconceptions About DACA Recipients Debunked

No, DACA recipients don't get free tuition.

2978
6 Misconceptions About DACA Recipients Debunked
Flickr

I’m sure you’ve heard a lot about DACA and are maybe wondering what it is. DACA stands for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival, which is a “ program created in 2012 by the Obama administration allowing young people brought to this country illegally by their parents to get a temporary reprieve from deportation and to receive permission to work, study and obtain driver's licenses.” Now, there is a lot of speculation and false information being spread around by uniformed people about who can be helped by DACA. Here are a few myths debunked:

1. “People who are protected under DACA are criminals.”

FALSE. Actually, people who apply for DACA must show that they have “clean criminal records” according to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services .

2. “Well, they broke the law by being illegal.”

FALSE. Everyone who applied for DACA must have proof that they were brought to America when they were under the age of 16. Majority of DACA recipients were unaware of their illegality until they applied for their learner’s permit/driver’s license. These children cannot and should not be held responsible for the actions of their parents.

3. “These people don’t contribute to society.”

FALSE. Everyone who is a recipient of DACA has to be enrolled in either high school, college, or a member of the military. The DREAMers are people who want to continue their education and get jobs, just like normal American citizens. They also pay taxes, too.

4. “DACA recipients take our jobs.”

FALSE. DACA recipients do work, but they are not “taking” jobs. They have to go through screenings and applications for potential jobs, just like every employed person. They are not handed jobs; they have to look for them and apply, just like everyone else. They also have to be qualified for that job in order to hold a position.

5. “DACA students get to go to college for free!”

FALSE. DACA students cannot even apply for FAFSA unless their college uses FAFSA in order to grant state or college student aid/scholarships. The Federal Student Aid Website states, “Undocumented students, including DACA recipients, are not eligible for federal student aid.”

6. “DACA recipients get free healthcare!”

FALSE. HealthCare.gov states that, “Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) is not an eligible immigration status for applying for health insurance.” DACA recipients also don't get free Medicare, Food stamps, Welfare, etc.

Unfortunately, DACA recipients cannot even apply for citizenship. They can apply for “an immigrant visa if they have a Qualifying Relative (US Citizen or LPR/Green Card holder) that is willing to petition through the I-130, Petition for Alien Relative.” Also, “Immigrants who have years of unlawful (undocumented) presence in the United States (like many DACAs) are considered "inadmissible" and not eligible to apply for an immigrant visa without the penalty of being barred from the United States for 3 to 10 years.” The only way to avoid this is if “if you became DACA approved before your 18th birthday, you will not accrue unlawful presence as long as you do not lapse in your DACA status.”

There are only 2 ways for DACA recipients to waive their unlawful presence, and that is through either marrying a US Citizen or having a legal entry into the country on record.

Being a DREAMer is not easy, this new action is not making it any easier. Deporting 800,000 people at one time can damage the economy and break up families.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

71383
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

133458
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments