[bouldercouncilhotline] FW: Resolution on DACA

[cmosupport]

From: Weaver, Sam
Sent: Saturday, September 2, 2017 4:10 PM
To: CAC <CAC at bouldercolorado.gov>; HOTLINE <HOTLINE at bouldercolorado.gov>
Subject: Resolution on DACA

Members of Council Agenda Committee (CAC),

I will bring up and want to schedule discussion at CAC this Tuesday a resolution supporting keeping in place the federal Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program (DACA), known commonly as the executive policy to protect the "Dreamers".  The people protected from deportation under this program are undocumented immigrants who were young children when they were brought to the US by their parents, thus not volitional actors in crossing US borders. There is pressure from state attorneys general to remove DACA protections from 800,000 individuals who are currently protected, and contributing positively to our economy.

I support any actions that we can take at the local level to support our Dreamers - they enrich our community.

The language below is what Mary Young and I propose for the resolution:

Supporting Extension of the DACA Program and Permanent Legal Status for Dreamers
WHEREAS, the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) provides employment authorization and protection from deportation for undocumented immigrants who entered the United States before they turned 16 and has benefitted nearly 742,000 undocumented youth since it began in 2012; and
WHEREAS, the ability for youth to live and work in their communities without fear of deportation is the foundation of sound, responsible immigration policy; and
WHEREAS, with work authorization and without the fear of deportation, these young people have been able to participate in and contribute to our country, our cities and our economies; and
WHEREAS, DACA is good for our nation's economy with eighty-seven percent of DACA recipients employed by American businesses and six percent of DACA recipients having started their own businesses, leading to higher wages and better economic outcomes; and
WHEREAS, DACA recipients contribute 15.3 percent of their wages to taxes, which fund Social Security and Medicare, and DACA recipients are investing in assets like houses, and starting new businesses, bringing significant tax revenue to cities and states; and
WHEREAS, ending this program would leave 742,000 young people who now call this nation home unsure of their legal status and would lead to the loss of .9 billion in tax contributions over the next four years, the loss of at least 3.4 billion from the U.S. gross domestic product (GDP) over the next decade; and
WHEREAS, Colorado has an estimated 17,000 DACA recipients, and

WHEREAS, the economic cost to ending this program would have a total economic impact of an estimated $3,520,000,000* in Colorado over the ten year period between 2018-2018
WHEREAS, the Armed Forces rely on DACA applicants to serve through Military Accessions Vital to the National Interest (MAVNI), which enlists individuals who are fluent in critical languages or possess medical professional skills essential to the defense of our nation; and
WHEREAS, DACA helps further domestic public safety - ninety percent of DACA recipients obtained a driver's license or state identification card, and 54 percent purchased cars after getting DACA, resulting in more insured and licensed drivers on American streets; and
WHEREAS, the young people who entered this country before they were 16 who benefit from DACA, have significant bipartisan support; and
WHEREAS, the threatening rhetoric being used by the current administration is causing uncertainty and fear that threatens the future of these young people who have come forward and entrusted the government with their information; and
WHEREAS, we encourage your Administration to demonstrate your commitment to the American economy and the ideals of our nation by continuing DACA until Congress modernizes our immigration system and provides a more permanent form of relief for these individuals,

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that since our community has historically come together in the face of great challenges, we call on all governmental, business and non-profit agencies and institutions in Boulder, surrounding municipalities and throughout Boulder County to come together to urge the Trump Administration to keep the DACA program in place, ensuring protection of these young people; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City of Boulder calls on Congress and the President to permanently address the legal status of DREAMERS in such a way as to allow them a path to permanent US citizenship.

Have a great Labor Day weekend,

Sam Weaver
Member of Boulder City Council
weavers at bouldercolorado.gov<mailto:weavers at bouldercolorado.gov>
Phone: 303-416-6130

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