DACA was only supposed to be a temporary solution originated by Obama. Why did a

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   gregasposted 7 years ago

   DACA was only supposed to be a temporary solution originated by Obama. Why did anyone living under
   
   DACA never take the initiative to apply for US citizenship? They had plenty of time and now they are crying. I would just like to know why they didn't move in that direction.

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   Misfit Chickposted 7 years ago

   That is a good question, so I did some semi-digging. Apparently, DACA gets confused with 'The Dream Act' (that didn't pass) long before Obama came along. There was probably a bunch of GOP resistance, so Obama & Co. came up with this 'compromise' - like they had to do with so many other things that GOP doesn't want to deal with. (Yeah, that's a guess, but I bet I'm right, LoL!) Here is a good link I found on it: http://college.usatoday.com/2015/02/26/ … dream-act/
   
   The DREAM Act is bipartisan legislation first introduced in Congress in 2001. Known formally as Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors, it has been reintroduced several times, including a big push in 2010 but failed to pass. This bill aimed to create a pathway to citizenship for undocumented children who grew up in the United States.
   
   DACA provides legal presence, but not legal status.
   
   I'd say that answers the question, although I'm sure there is a lot more digging that can be done.

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      gregasposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      Actually, the question I am asking is, why these individuals didn't take the initiative to become a citizen. That was their responsibility. This is the blame of the left or right. I can't see that they didn't have the choice.

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      Misfit Chickposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      You talk like they could just walk into any immigration office and ask to become a citizen - with undocumented parents. It sounds to me like that is what the original 'Dream Act' was about - providing a way for them to become citizens.

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      gregasposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      What was to stop them?? That's what I want to know.

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      lovemychrisposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      The republicans stopped it. Chief among them the now attorney general jeff sessions. Ny times reports that sessions and that miller nazi kid pushed trump to rescind it. Kirsten Gillibrand just yesterday said we need to pass the dream act. R's move.

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      Misfit Chickposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      I'm not sure why this is a puzzle for U, Greg: undocumented parents. That's what stops them. The US has a vetting process; and family history is part of it. Believe it! Would it be okay with you if we let undocumented Muslims become citizens?

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      Ericdierkerposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      I don't get this. Anyone who is a participant in DACA can apply for US citizenship. A very simple fact. And they still have time. So not only then but now; why wouldn't they apply. No, family history is not a factor.

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      gregasposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      They should be taking care of all of this instead of protesting and crying about how bad they feel they feel they are being treated. I guess the benefits they receive under DACA is better than being a US citizen. The handouts are better.

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      Ericdierkerposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      Talked with my old buddy from way back. He does immigration law and as we laughed about DACA he said all attorneys have easy payment plans and credit card acceptance. The application can also be credit card to pay back over time. Greg you make sense

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      Misfit Chickposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      I am not going to do everything for you - Do your freakin RESEARCH - it is NOT so easy to get citizenship. If it were, both the dreamer act & daca would never have been needed. DUH!

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       gregasposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       As the old saying goes, "nothing worth while is not always easy". They were just too lazy to apply. If the parents didn't want to go through the process in the first place, they shouldn't have brought their kids here.

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       MizBejabbersposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       Greg asked, "What's stopping them?"  They have to be 18 to apply, and most  kids of undocumented aliens in question aren't old enough to apply. https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/fil … en.parents

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       gregasposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       There are a lot of them in college and why don't they do something instead of wasting their time protesting? They want things handed to them. It would take  little extra effort to go through the process. We should just make citizens automatically. BS

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       Ericdierkerposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       Miz, both your assumptions are wrong. A guardian can apply and most are over 20. And your link does not work. How could they be in DACA for 3 years - normal 4 and not be adults by any stretch. It is for adults who entered as children, Please get info

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       Misfit Chickposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       Bcuz I answered DOESN'T mean I am opposed to Trump forcing Congress to create a permanent solution. It should have been done long ago. I applaud his insistance for bipartisanship, tho as usual, he insults instead of unites as he goes, dammit.

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       Ericdierkerposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       Chickie, do you really judge a man by how he speaks. Uncle Tom's cabin and Huck Finn and all that. You are saying that if he does not speak in your accepted norm he is ignorant? Crazy, I have a doctorate but cannot stand the Harvard elite. Really?

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       MizBejabbersposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       Eric, I thought we were talking about kids of both parents who are aliens and not able to help the kid's status. Sorry the link didn't work, but it says if ONE parent is a citizen then the parent can apply for them, not two alien parents.

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       Misfit Chickposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       Eric, you can take your 'chickie' crap and stick it. Your response makes absolutely no sense; and actually reads similar to Norene - who the hell knows what she was ever talking about? Are you getting Alzheimers?

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       Daniel Gottlobposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       Greg. DACA doesn't actually provide a path to citizenship. For illegal entry only employers/close family can sponsor. DACA doesn't grant access to Federal Welfare or Student Aid. If someone has a legal path they should def take it. But not all do.

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       Ericdierkerposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       Daniel it is not so cut and dried. there are options. One case I read was a 35 year old. Ownership in business, battered spouse, hardship, death if deported. https://www.uscis.gov/greencard/affidavit-support  So in general all exceptions apply.

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   jackclee lmposted 7 years ago

   DACA is unConstitutional and even Obama said so when he signed the order.
   It was a temporary measure. It is Congress's job to enact laws...
   When Obama had the majority of both Houses, he avoided this issue...Why?
   He could have passed it then just like he forced ACA on the American people...
   It is a sad state of affairs. We the people are not to blame for this. As unfair as this is to these law abiding people who came here by the will of their undocumented parents, it is still not lawful under current law.
   My view is this. Congress better get their act together on this and a host of other issues such as tax reform and healthcare reform and immigration reform...the list goes on. If they were rated as other jobs, they would be getting an "F" for failure.

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      Ericdierkerposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      It sure seems that Trump is getting this idea and floating ways to get them off of their butts. So weird how the congress acted like this under Obama and seem to be addicted to obstructionism. Maybe the polls are a root cause.

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      Johnny James Aposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      DACA is constitutional. Deferred Action has been done for 40 years by Reagan, Bush, Clinton, & Obama for a variety of reasons like sex trafficking, surviving members of armed forces, etc The executive branch has discretion on admin and enforcemen

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      Ericdierkerposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      So Obama's statements and the Supreme Court are just a piece of garbage? No buddy it is not constitutional as ruled by the courts and stated by Obama. What world are you living in?

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      Johnny James Aposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      I live on the planet Earth. If the Sup Ct decided DACA was illegal then Trump would not have to even threaten to end it as it would be done, as such the Ct obviously has not ruled on it. Also, can we stay classy instead of acting so arrogant

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      greenmindposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      Obama only had a majority in Congress 2009-11, and DACA etc was 2012. Obama got tired of dealing with Republican obstruction and wanted to protect innocent kids from deportation, so he kicked the can down the road. Time to make it official.

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   Ericdierkerposted 7 years ago

   Great question Greg. Straight up answer is that they felt "entitled". And with that said I understand that current participants that could have before still can for a time. I heard 6 months but I think it is more like 60 days.
   And another straight up answer - If they did not do it since January they are idiots.
   I paid attention yesterday and did not hear or read any DACA person individually crying out. Yes for sure some danced and rallied with groups in protest but those orgs that set them up were "entitled" American citizens.
   If someone who did not apply and protests now instead of getting their butt to their nearest immigration office they would be totally crazy.
   I like this one old adage: Delay and procrastination on your part does not create an emergency on my part.

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      Misfit Chickposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      Judgmental, much? Again, it isn't as simple as heading to the nearest immigration office. The reason why politicians keep trying to push the Dream Act thru is bcuz it is PROFITABLE for the US to maintain a good-sized, cheap migrant work force.

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      gregasposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      It isn't supposed to be easy.

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      Misfit Chickposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      So glad you finally realize that.

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      gregasposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      Still no reason that the ones that were eligible couldn't apply.

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   Readmikenowposted 7 years ago

   Raise hands of people with relatives who have come to the United States legally and become a US citizen.  Am I the only one?  In order for my relatives to come here they had to have sponsors, have a place to stay and viable employment.  THEN, there is  the USCIS form N-400 and $600 application fee.  Then, you get an interview.  Your fingerprints are taken.  You may get a green card if your paperwork isn't lost, and it can get lost more than once.  Sometimes you may have to pay for an attorney.  Then you get to take the naturalization test.  IF, your form doesn't get lost, IF, you pass the naturalization test, are employed, have been in the United State and have not left for five years. You can then take the oath.  I've seen the process.  So, tell me, how is it fair that people go around saying "My mother brought me here when I was young and I didn't know.  Since I'm better than people from the Ukraine who obeyed your immigration laws and I should not have to go through what they did. I want each and every one of those people in DACA to go through what my relatives experienced. Sorry, DACA is pile of crap. March them down to the nearest immigration office and start the process!

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      Ericdierkerposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed her immigration process. I know that is weird but we just looked at it as a great big privilege and honor. OTOH she only married me to get citizenship 15 years ago ;-)

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      Readmikenowposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      Eric, if you marry a US citizen you don't have to wait five years.  You only have to wait three years with your green card.  You can even start the process overseas.  It's still more than what DACA people had to do to stay here.

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      Ericdierkerposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      Absolutely true. But why would the extra two years cause any hardship? Actually nothing really changed for us. She was already working and paying taxes. And I think there are provisions for travelling during the wait. Sorry to hear it was hard on you

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      gregasposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      So, there is a proper and legal way to do it. So, why didn't these people go through the proper channels? That way they wouldn't be in the predicament they are now.

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      Ericdierkerposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      Here is the strange part that so many do not get. If they were in DACA then they were basically qualified to become citizens. I have not heard of one case where a DACA person was denied.And now they are not targeted for expulsion. Apply you idiots.

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      gregasposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      The problem is, if they become citizens they stand the chance of losing any benefits they are probably getting.

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      Ericdierkerposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      Of course you are right Greg. Last night some protested for about 3 hours here. If they were DACA, the normal time via the paperwork reduction act says 2 hours for initial paperwork.The same orgs could have spent the night helping them.

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      Readmikenowposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      If the DACA people spent as much time filling out the paperwork and going through the process as they do protesting, they'd almost all be citizens by now. It's not fun, but it's not that bad either. Just requires a commitment to get it done.

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      Ericdierkerposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      Very well stated and I do get that it is a nightmare bureaucracy but it also is when they audit me. Life sucks here far less than elsewhere. Let me put my email out there ericdierker@sbcglobal.net If you want some help let me know and I will.

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       Misfit Chickposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       Thanks 4 saying how difficult it is to get citizenship, Mike. Like I've said... & again The REASON WHY this situation exists is bcuz politicans on BOTH SIDES R aware of how much money we make off migrant workers. Its Y they R treated special.

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       Ericdierkerposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       Hey Chickie (I hope that causes no harm as you chose your handle)
       You make the perfect case as to why. Now if one walked into your living room would you tell them to protest or immigrate?

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       Readmikenowposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       MC, it's not difficult, it requires a commitment.  DACA people hold jobs, go to school etc. they handle the bureaucracy of becoming a citizen. If they spent as much time on the process of being a citizen as they do protesting, they'd be be citizens

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       Misfit Chickposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       Right... that many thousands of people with improper paperwork could just walk into immigration and get this done IF they were committed. I guess the political dorks who insisted on created the failed Dream Act did so JUST to waste more money.

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       gregasposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       That's all politicians do is waste money. That said, these people have had more than 5 years to become citizens. Just plain didn't care to exercise that right.

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       Readmikenowposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       MC, you need to learn more about DACA.  They've already filled out forms and paid a fee to be on the DACA program. It shouldn't be a big deal since thousands of people apply to be US citizens every day. It's all politics.

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       Ericdierkerposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       Mike I did some more reading on the matter. They are treated like any body else who applies. The Gov. does not hold against them their undocumented status. So your story is very applicable to these folks. Again why not apply, Greg sounds right.

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       Misfit Chickposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       Then answer us this: WHY was 'The Dream Act' created in the first place; and WHY did Obama create a temporary fix surrounding it since it didn't pass? WHY?!!

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       Readmikenowposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       MC, I don't know but I suspect politics.  Here is the worksheet given to people who want to be citizens. If you've been here for awhile, it shouldn't be a problem. https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/fil … ;%20Natura

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       Ericdierkerposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       Absolutely the right question to ask Chick. Why indeed. Morons in the swamp, they know damned well we need some kind of program here. A small child has no say what geographic.But should we give priority and exemptions? Come on Congress and step up.

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   Johnny James Aposted 7 years ago

   I believe Catherine Mostly gave the best answer to your question. People really are confusing The Dream Act with the "Deferred Action for Childhood Act" so much, that they missed the fact that she answered your question perfectly based on what you asked for. DACA allows "certain" illegal immigrants who entered the country as minors to receive a renewable two-year period of deferred action from deportation and eligibility for a work permit. The idea was that "deferment of" deportation ONLY would occur under this act.  This act has absolutely NO influence on one's becoming a citizen, being eligible to become a citizen, etc. - hence Catherine's comment about this act being about legal presence and not legal status. Ms. Mostly seems to be the most knowledgeable person on this subject. In order to apply for citizenship (not counting asylum rules, which most illegals would not qualify for) you must be a (1) Permanent Resident for 5 years (i.e. a Green Card holder -not just present in the U.S. A Permanent Resident is a "Legal Status" which Catherine Mostly aptly pointed out.  However, being illegal they do not have a legal status period, let alone a legal status of Permanent Resident. (2) The U.S. can apply the "good moral character" clause to bar citizenship. If an illegal were to file and say they met step 1 of being a permanent resident (Green Card holder) when they are not, this would not only bar them under Step one of the process but on Step 2 of lying on a federal form. If they correctly fill out the application, then merely being in the country could be an argument of not having good moral character, however, this would not even come into play as they would fail under step one. So this is not a case of them having plenty of time to file, as per their "status" of being illegal technically they could not do what you are claiming they should have done.  So they are not wasting time and "crying" as you say, by not filling out the application.  They are merely following directions on the filing process.  Now, if you had mentioned the Dream Act (NOT DACA), which did not pass as Catherine eloquently stated, then one could argue why someone did not attempt to become a citizen, as it was that act and NOT DACA which gave a path to citizenship. So, in essence, they did not move in that direction as under DACA there was no avenue to move in that direction.

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      Ericdierkerposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      Here is one exception to every thing stated above:
      Here is one way to get it done. Use your right to exit and then re-enter (advanced parole) and have a sponsoring relative.

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      Johnny James Aposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      Eric, per the question you CANNOT apply for citizenship under DACA, which was the issue - the issue is citizenship, not residency. Even if they leave, you apply for RESIDENCY with a sponsor, not citizenship. Then you get a green card, andthen citizen

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   Rock_njposted 7 years ago

   I don't know, but it seems inhumane and rediculous to deport people who came to this country as children and had no choice in the matter at the time when they came here.  This is the country they grew up in and know as home.  Many are contributing members of society in the U.S. now that they are adults and many of the younger ones are in school working hard to become contributing members of society.
   
   I believe in being a nation of laws and having immigrants enter the country in a legal manner; however, these kids had no choice and were just brought along to the U.S. illegally by their parents.  As long as they are acting as good participants in our society, I see no problem with making them citizens.  You say, "why these individuals didn't take the initiative to become a citizen?"  But, what mechanism did they or do they now have to become a citizen?  They are still considered undocumented aliens and have no wayof becoming citizens.  That's what this is all about.  Getting Congress to act to pass a law that allows these children of illegal immigrants to become U.S. citizens.

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      Ericdierkerposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      The more you look into this the more you wonder about why Obama did not provide a legal status for DACA members. From what I can tell he already went outside the law - so why not do it right.

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      Rock_njposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      Obama chose to selectively enforce immigration law to protect DAVA members.  Actually granting them legal status would have been taking it to a whole other level.  That lies with the do-nothing Congress.

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      Ericdierkerposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      It will be interesting if they do get a Dreamers bill passed. I can of am in favor of a waiver on the general exclusions but then they still have to apply and qualify and pass.

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      Rock_njposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      I agree with you Eric.

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