The question of what to do about “Dreamers,” immigrants brought here as children outside the law, has gone unresolved for years. Unless Congress and the president act swiftly, it could be many more years before there’s a solution for the immigrants, their employers, family members, and communities.
The Supreme Court is expected to rule on a case involving the immigrants within the next few months. But although the court will decide the narrow issue of whether the president can cancel the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, which is shielding many of the immigrants from deportation, it cannot decide how to resolve their legal status. That’s a matter for Congress and the president, and it should be resolved as quickly as possible so that those affected can plan and live their lives.
President Trump has an opportunity to demonstrate bold leadership when he addresses the nation and Congress during his State of the Union address Tuesday. He should call on lawmakers on both sides to come together and work on a bipartisan deal that provides certainty for DACA recipients and security along the border.
Until now, the White House has expressed optimism that once a Supreme Court ruling is handed down, Congress will be eager to enact a compromise. That’s certainly possible. But congressional inaction is a lot more common than passage of major legislation in election years. We have watched political considerations block progress on immigration for years — in election years and nonelection years alike. It would not be a big surprise if lawmakers refused to act in the few months between any court ruling and the election, leaving this as an issue for 2021 and beyond.
This could result in the deportation of Dreamers and a void in our communities. And who can be sure that Congress will take up immigration next year when we’re sure to see a crowded legislative agenda no matter who wins in November? It could mean more years of waiting and, at best, temporary bandage proposals.
We have worked closely with DACA recipients around the country. We are proud to count some of them among our activists. Unfortunately, these young people cannot know what the future holds for them beyond the next few months. Will they be able to earn permanent legal status? Will they be permitted to renew temporary DACA protections? Or will they find themselves sent to a foreign country — one they may not remember at all, where they might not even speak the language? Ultimately, Trump and Congress are the ones who can decide that.
This uncertainty affects not only DACA recipients but also their families and loved ones. It’s hard to plan a wedding or commit to making college tuition payments or even to buy a car if you’re not sure you’ll be in the country just a few weeks down the road. Through DACA, many immigrants are working and contributing to their communities. But employers are wary of making long-term investments in workers who can’t make a long-term commitment. Advancement may be difficult or impossible for Dreamers because of the uncertainty of their status.
We would all be better off if both parties came together to modernize border security while establishing a process by which DACA recipients could earn permanent legal status. That process would require background checks, fees, any possible back taxes, and other appropriate requirements. Right now, the immigrants are filling roles in all walks of life – parents, teachers, faith leaders, small business owners, and more. Our communities would all be stronger if leaders in Washington made a decision about their futures.
A consensus reform bill should be within reach. Both parties have advanced immigration proposals that have valuable elements of a DACA compromise. This is the right time for congressional Democrats to move on new border security proposals and for Republican skeptics to accept new provisions for these immigrants.
One recent survey found that more than 60% of registered voters and more than two-thirds of Republicans back a proposal to enhance border security and provide DACA recipients a path to citizenship. Moreover, a majority of lawmakers in both the House and the Senate support legal status for the immigrants. Unfortunately, factions in both houses have tried to use the issue as a political bargaining chip rather than working together to pass a bill. We need leadership to help transform that broad support into a new law.
The president should not waste this chance to drive a popular reform that’s long overdue. When he takes to the podium Tuesday, he should make clear the time for waiting is past. That will help not only Dreamers, but the millions of Americans who count them as family members, friends, employers, and customers.
Tim Phillips is president of Americans for Prosperity. Daniel Garza is president of The LIBRE Initiative.
