The DACA Program And Its Effect On Talawanda

OXFORD — On Sept. 5, 2017 President Trump announced that the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program (DACA) would begin its wind-down.

Established by former President Obama in 2012, the DACA program allows certain illegal immigrants who came to America as children to receive a renewable two-year work permit, as long as applicants can have no serious criminal background. Records show that as many as 800,000 immigrants have applied since 2012, and 2,000 more since Trump’s presidency began.

To those wondering how this issue will impact the Talawanda school district: “Very few students will be affected by this policy,” says Talawanda Superintendent Kelly Spivey. “It is important that all of our students and families continue to feel welcome. Talawanda will always welcome all children who are residing in our boundaries.”

Administration will allow DACA recipients with work permits which expire before March 5, 2018 to be eligible for one more two-year-renewal. Trump has ordered that U.S. Congress will be given six months to decide on a solution before the government officially stops renewing permits.