Trump Administration Labels DACA Recipients “Illegal Aliens”

The Trump administration has intensified its stance against DACA recipients, now referring to them as “illegal aliens” and urging them to self-deport. This shift marks a significant departure from earlier statements suggesting a desire to protect what are often referred to as Dreamers, individuals who arrived in the United States as children. The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, initiated under President Barack Obama, allows these individuals to live and work in the U.S. without providing a path to citizenship.

According to Tricia McLaughlin, Assistant Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), DACA recipients do not possess legal status. “This is not new or news,” McLaughlin stated. “DACA does not confer any form of legal status in this country. Any illegal alien who is a DACA recipient may be subject to arrest and deportation for a number of reasons including if they’ve committed a crime.” She went on to announce a controversial initiative, stating that illegal aliens could utilize the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Home App to arrange their departure, with the U.S. government offering $1,000 and a free flight for those who choose to self-deport.

The current administration’s rhetoric contradicts previous comments from President Donald Trump. In December 2016, shortly after his election, Trump expressed a willingness to collaborate with Democrats on a solution for Dreamers, acknowledging their contributions to society. Despite these earlier remarks, his administration has since taken measures to dismantle DACA, including a failed attempt to end the program during his first term, which was blocked by the courts.

As of August 25, 2023, DACA recipients are no longer considered “lawfully present,” as announced by the Department of Health and Human Services. This change disqualifies them from participating in the health care marketplace established by the Affordable Care Act, which is expected to impact approximately 10,000 individuals who rely on these benefits.

The experiences of DACA recipients highlight the increasing risks they face. In a notable incident, Javier Diaz Santana, a deaf and mute DACA recipient, was detained by federal agents in Temple City, California. Diaz Santana reported that he was handcuffed and denied access to a sign language interpreter during the arrest. “I thought everything was fine. I was doing everything, following everything,” he remarked, reflecting the fears many DACA recipients have about their status and safety.

Congress has yet to codify protections for DACA recipients, leaving them vulnerable to the current administration’s immigration policies. Many DACA recipients were born in Mexico, and the lack of a permanent legislative solution has led to ongoing legal challenges against the program. The DREAM Act, initially proposed over two decades ago, aims to grant lawful permanent residency to eligible Dreamers but has faced significant hurdles in Congress despite its broad public support.

In July 2023, Senator Alex Padilla from California introduced legislation to update the Registry provision of the Immigration and Nationality Act. This would enable individuals who have lived in the U.S. for at least seven years, with no criminal record, to apply for a green card. The current Registry only applies to those who have lived in the U.S. since January 1, 1972.

Padilla has urged Republican lawmakers to take a public stance in support of Dreamers, noting that some have expressed private support for protective measures. Meanwhile, Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren has introduced companion legislation in the House to advance these protections.

Padilla emphasized the importance of public awareness regarding the administration’s actions. “Make no mistake, Americans will not soon forget what this Administration is doing to their neighbors — to their co-workers, to their friends,” he declared on the Senate floor. “We will continue fighting, not just to stop these outrageous arrests, but we will not rest until we enact real and permanent protections for DACA recipients who contribute so much to our country.”

The future of DACA remains uncertain, as both the Trump administration’s policies and congressional inaction continue to leave Dreamers in a precarious position.