DACA and the Budget

We already know that immigration is a reproductive justice issue. We know that the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) Program was created to protect undocumented children brought to the us by their parents. We know the Trump Administration is ending DACA. And we know that the DREAM Act is the best way to give these over 800,000 DACAmented folks a path to permanent citizenship in the US.  

But here’s the question – how exactly will this DREAM Act get passed? The short answer: the Congressional Budget for fiscal year 2018, which must be passed in December. And guess what? YOU have a say in whether Congress passes a clean Dream Act. Read on to find out how you can help.  

December: The Month All of The Things Are Happening

Ah, December. The snow is falling. Holiday magic is in the air. Warmth and goodwill fills us all – oh yeah and also CONGRESS HAS TO PASS A BUDGET OR ELSE THE GOVERNMENT WILL SHUT DOWN…not to be dramatic or anything.

Ok let’s back up a minute. Remember in September when there was a deal that created a temporary three month budget until December? Well, now Congress has to pass a budget in December, and that creates a window for Congress to pass the DREAM Act too. The general idea is that some bills, like the DREAM Act, might not be able to get the votes to pass by themselves (standalone bills, in policy jargon.) Instead, it’s easier to attach the DREAM Act to the budget because Congress absolutely must pass the Budget to avoid a government shutdown.  

Ok – so what can I do to help pass the DREAM Act?   

So glad you asked! Here’s what you can do:

• Ask your representatives to support a clean DREAM Act in December.
  • “Clean” means that we don’t want to pass the DREAM Act if that means adding more enforcement mechanisms (like, more funding for the border wall).
  • “December” signals to members of Congress that you’re asking for it to be part of the budget negotiations.
• Email your Congress people now!