One of DACA's many benefits is the benefit to work. DACA applicants are given a EAD card also known as the Employment Authorization Document; which allows them to work legally in the United States. The card also serves as a form of identification. This allows them to feel accepted and gives them a chance to actually work and contribute to the economy. There has been a lot of positive impact on institutions and communities, as well as a positive impact on the American economy as a whole; all because of the hard work DACA students put both in their jobs and studies. In Fact, there is data that shows DACA increased recipients’ average hourly wages by 42 percent. Given that higher wages translate into higher tax revenue and economic growth, these findings reinforce the fact that DACA benefits all Americans. DACA critics argue that the policy gives the right to these undocumented immigrants to steal the jobs of the native-born Americans and thus, leads to "unfair competition". But the harms of repealing DACA, would harm the United States in the following ways:
- The Money being spent on Deportations: Deporting over 700,000 illegal immigrants would cost the United States a fortunate. So much money that would not be worth spending. A reduction in the nation's GDP would be compared to that of the GREAT RECESSION. An article by Center For American Progress states," A policy of mass deportation would immediately reduce the nation’s GDP by 1.4 percent, and ultimately by 2.6 percent, and reduce cumulative GDP over 10 years by $4.7 trillion."
- Large Industries Will Lose A Significant Amount Of Workers: Although illegal immigrants are definitely capable of working many different jobs; a majority of them work in businesses such as farming, housecleaning, janitors, construction etc.. These are jobs that a lot of American born citizens don't want to do. These type of businesses are what keeps industries together. According to Center For American Progress, these type of industries would be affected the most if DACA was repealed. They would suffer workforce reductions of about 10 to 18%.
- Less Entrepreneurship- These DACAmented people are also capable of starting their own businesses. It has been said that DACA students and employees are more likely to start businesses then native born citizens. This statement has been compared in the amount each group of business owners have generated. Data shows that immigrant entrepreneurs have generated more than $775 billion in sales and $100 billion in income. Considering pay roll taxes, they have paid they have paid $126 billion. So, why can't we continue to support the work ethic of the DACA applicants? They do their share, so their hard work should be admired.
What makes someone AMERICAN
Isn’t just blood or birth
But allegiance to our founding principles
And faith in the idea
That anyone-from anywhere – can write
The next chapter
Of our story."
-President Obama