How do Texas State students feel about DACA?

By Eden Freeman

Eaf38@txstate.edu

While DACA is put on hold by President Donald Trump, Texas State University students share their opinions on this controversial program.

DACA stands for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. It is a program that protects children who came here before the age of 18 from deportation and allows them to go to school and have a job in the United States. DACA recipients are not citizens of the United States and to stay under the program they must renew every two years and stay out of crime.

President Trump recently put a halt on the program and it is still up in the air on what will happen to DACA.  Student’s at Texas State University recently gave their opinions on the program.

"It is a great program for people to live their lives as U.S. citizens and not be bothered by actions that were taken when they were too young to do anything about." Crosby Figg, construction science junior said.

Overall most students interviewed agreed with the program.

“I think it’s sad that there are so many people here trying to live better lives, and our country turns them away. Especially for the minors who have spent their entire lives here, which DACA would applies to. There are requirements in order to keep them on the right track, so I don’t see what the issue is." Jesse Pena, business senior said.

"I feel like everyone deserves a chance to make a better life for themselves, especially since my parents are from another country.” Ngozi Nwachukw, microbiology freshman said.

Others agreed with the idea of DACA but thought it should be improved.

 "I know how it works firsthand and the frustration of having to send in stuff, send in forms and wait for it to get processed. It's a very long process." Samantha Lopez, computer science freshman said. "If there was a faster way to get through the paperwork, it would be better."

"I would make it more of a path to citizenship rather than a temporary solution." Luis Parra, production and performance senior said.

Some students thought the program should be eliminated.

"I would get rid of it. I think people need to come here the right way. I think it’s wrong that they are given this leeway to be in America and live the American dream without following the legal procedures to be here.” Madison Elliott, public relations senior said. “There are about 800,000 people that take advantage of this program. What’s the point of having immigration laws when there’s a program that lets them be here anyways?"

"It's granting and giving a gift to illegal immigrants. I think it's just too much. We don't do enough things to benefit people who have citizenship, so why are we giving non-citizens so many chances to do things." Cody Enderli, political science senior said.

Read all the student interviews at https://mc1313krantz.blogspot.com/