WASHINGTON, D.C. — Family strength and unity. A healthier economy for American workers. Opportunity.
These are among the benefits that would multiply with a long-term legislative answer for young immigrants who have contributed under Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), the implementation of which began five years ago today.
Supporters across the political spectrum are calling for solutions from Congress that facilitate the contributions of Dreamers to our country. On an individual level — as highlighted in recent videos in North Carolina and South Carolina, as well as in a TIME op-ed — and as members of a broader community, Dreamers add value to America’s economy and social fabric.
Already, DACA recipients and those who are immediately eligible for DACA pay about $2 billion just in state and local taxes each year, according to an April study from the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy. Providing DACA recipients the opportunity to earn permanent legal status and eventual citizenship could generate almost $505 million in additional state and local taxes each year.
“Dreamers are integral to the lives of everyday Americans throughout the country. Now that they have come out of the shadows through DACA, we cannot unremember the ways that they have made our communities stronger and continue to do so,” said Cathleen Farrell, Director of Communications at the National Immigration Forum. “Support for solutions remains strong among faith, law enforcement and business leaders. Congress must pass legislation to protect these hardworking young immigrants. Until then, for the good of American workers and communities, DACA must remain intact.”