DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) is an issue that calls for justice and mercy.
Justice demands that we honor and abide by laws duly established. Our immigration laws must be enforced. We are a nation of laws and not of men (or women). DACA was unconstitutional, and it therefore must be corrected or nullified.
The consequences of correcting or eliminating DACA is that 800,000 “Dreamers” would be deported. That’s where mercy comes into the picture. Once we have re-established the rule of law we can then look at the negative consequences of the correction, and choose to have mercy on those Dreamers who desire to assimilate into American culture, and have not demonstrated criminal behavior. Having mercy on Dreamers means providing them with legal permanent residency, and perhaps even a path to citizenship if they would be willing to serve in the Armed Forces or in some other capacity that benefits the people.
It would be injustice to those who have obeyed the rules to enter into our country legally, to give simple and free amnesty to Dreamers. And yes, they will have to suffer some consequences for the sins of their parents to affirm the rule of law and emphasize that not deporting them-which justice would dictate-is an act of mercy.
Remaining in the U.S. is not an entitlement regardless of how long they have lived here. When it comes to DACA we must find a reasonable way to exercise both justice and mercy in the right balance.
