Supporting Extension of the DACA Program and Permanent Legal Status for Dreamers
Adopted at the 85th Annual Meeting in 2017
WHEREAS, the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) provides employment authorization and protection from deportation for undocumented immigrants who entered the United States before they turned 16 and has benefitted nearly 742,000 undocumented youth since it began in 2012; and
WHEREAS, the ability for youth to live and work in their communities without fear of deportation is the foundation of sound, responsible immigration policy; and
WHEREAS, with work authorization and without the fear of deportation, these young people have been able to participate in and contribute to our country, our cities and our economies; and
WHEREAS, DACA is good for our nation's economy with eighty-seven percent of DACA recipients employed by American businesses and six percent of DACA recipients having started their own businesses, leading to higher wages and better economic outcomes; and
WHEREAS, DACA recipients contribute 15.3 percent of their wages to taxes, which fund Social Security and Medicare, and DACA recipients are investing in assets like houses, and starting new businesses, bringing significant tax revenue to cities and states; and
WHEREAS, ending this program would leave 742,000 young people who now call this nation home unsure of their legal status and would lead to the loss of $9.9 billion in tax contributions over the next four years, the loss of at least $433.4 billion from the U.S. gross domestic product (GDP) over the next decade; and
WHEREAS, the Armed forces rely on DACA applicants to serve through Military Accessions Vital to the National Interest (MAVNI), which enlists individuals who are fluent in critical languages or possess medical professional skills essential to the defense of our nation; and
WHEREAS, DACA helps further domestic public safety-ninety percent of DACA recipients obtained a driver's license or state identification card, and 54 percent purchased cars after getting DACA, resulting in more insured and licensed drivers on American streets; and
WHEREAS, the young people who entered this country before they were 16 who benefit from DACA, have significant bipartisan support; and
WHEREAS, the threatening rhetoric being used by the current administration is causing uncertainty and fear that threatens the future of these young people who have come forward and entrusted the government with their information; and
WHEREAS, we encourage your Administration to demonstrate your commitment to the American economy and the ideals of our nation by continuing DACA until Congress modernizes our immigration system and provides a more permanent form of relief for these individuals,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the United States Conference of Mayors urges the Trump Administration to keep the DACA program in place, ensuring protection for nearly 1 million young people; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the United States Conference of Mayors calls on Congress to permanently address the legal status of DREAMERS.
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