We can do more for ‘Dreamers’
They’re called “Dreamers” and their hope of living the American Dream lives on — at least temporarily.
On June 18, the U.S. Supreme Court, in a 5-4 ruling, gave a reprieve to as many as 800,000 undocumented immigrants living south of the border. The court denied the Trump administration’s attempt to end a program that protects young immigrants, known as Dreamers, from deportation and allows them to work in the United States.
The program, called the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, was established by president Barack Obama in 2012. DACA has flaws, however, as it provides only a two-year renewable deferral and does not allow for a pathway to citizenship.
To qualify for DACA, immigrants must have lived most of their lives in the U.S. and pass certain requirements, such as a background check, complete high school or serve in the military. About 650,000 people are currently enrolled, with the average age being 25.
People brought to the U.S. as children are considered the most sympathetic of immigrants and the program has widespread support among Americans; a recent survey by the Pew Research Center shows about 75 per cent favour granting the Dreamers legal status.
It should be no surprise that President Donald Trump was never one of those supporters. In 2017,Trump announced he was going to terminate the program, creating a dangerous atmosphere of uncertainly for Dreamers.
The courts quickly intervened and last week, the Supreme Court temporarily halted Trump’s dream — but did so on a matter of procedure, not policy. In effect, it decided the Trump administration tried to end the program the wrong way, but is free to try again.
Although the fight is not over, many hard-working, welleducated young immigrants, who have been building promising futures, are celebrating their chance to continue living and working in the U.S.
The same cannot be said for undocumented immigrants living in Canada. We are a country that prides itself on its progressive and humanitarian approaches to immigration. “Diversity is our Strength” is inscribed on Toronto’s coat of arms.
This is, however, an illusion. Non-citizens brought to Canada as children are actually in a more precarious situation than those in the U.S.
“We have no DACA-equivalent legislation to provide protection from deportation or temporary work authorization to our ‘Dreamers.’ We do not even have a public discourse on the issue,” Sarah Pole, a child and youth legal advocate, wrote in the Star last week.
In Canada, newcomers without status live dangerously precarious lives. They cannot work legally or access provincial health insurance plans, post-secondary education supports or employment insurance.
If they’re being mistreated by employers or landlords or physically threatened by a partner, calling the police is often not an option. The risk of deportation is too high. They are forced underground, creating emotional stress that grinds away at their mental health and stability.
For children who came to this country without a choice, this is a cruel burden to carry. Currently, there is only one reprieve from the constant threat of arrest and deportation and that is through a humanitarian and compensation application. Such humanitarian claims are only for exception cases, are difficult to prove, are intensive and lengthy and are judged on a case-by-case basis.
Canada is perfectly positioned to replant its flag in what was once considered a fertile promised land for immigrants. That flag can once again represent compassion and leadership to people seeking the Canadian Dream — both on Canadian soil and also abroad.
Canada is long overdue to create a rigorous but fair amnesty program that allows for legal residency and ultimately citizenship for hard-working and promising non-status residents.