Florida Dreamers need protection

When the Trump administration dismantled the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program in 2017, they began a cycle of chaos and confusion for Dreamers — immigrants who entered the United States as minors and are seeking residency status. These young Americans have been forced to live in state of uncertainty, unsure if they’ll be able to remain in the country they call home.

They’ve been waiting for Congress to act since September 2017 and, in the meantime, are living court case to court case, until a long-term legislative solution is found.

In Florida, we know firsthand the incredible impact that Dreamers have on our communities. Florida’s 27,000 Dreamers pay $77.5 million in annual state and local taxes and have an annual spending power of $1.2 billion. Dreamers are our teachers and our business owners. They are fellow classmates. They are our neighbors and our friends. They are integral to the fabric of our community.

Without a legislative fix to our broken immigration system, Florida’s Dreamers risk being forced from the only homes they’ve ever known.

The good news is that there is a legislative solution. Last month, the House of Representatives passed the Dream and Promise Act which would provide key protections for Dreamers.

It is past time for the Senate to put politics aside and do what is right by passing

Dreamer protections. Florida’s Dreamers deserve a long-term solution, and the clock is ticking.

Nanci J. Palacios Godinez Plant City

The author is an organizer for Faith in Florida.