Presidential Power Play or Dream Act Come True Essay

Presidential Power Play or Dream Act Come True - Essay Example This results in many immigrants who arrive continuing to live within America’s borders without being legally documented by the United States government. This creates major social, political, and ethical issues involving the children who are brought to this country by their parents who grow up with an American upbringing but remain technically illegal immigrants. Several different solutions have been offered to Congress, over the last few years, but none have been approved. So it was a surprising turn of events when president Obama announced that the United States government will no longer be deporting the children of undocumented immigrants, providing that they meet certain criteria. Obama passed this policy by bypassing Congress altogether and acting on his own using the power of an executive order. This act by the president has gained immense response, both for and against. Many question the president’s choice, as well as, his motivations and are strongly opposed to t he action either way. Still more, particularly, those who benefit from the new policy are rejoicing, yet some remain skeptical, concerned that the executive order will not last long enough to be practically implemented. There are many issues raised by the new immigration reform that the president has ordered that cannot be ignored. The executive order passed by Obama closely resembles the criteria of inclusion required by the Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors act, or DREAM act, which has failed several times to gain full Congressional support.("DreamAct2009.org") The policy would allow the children of current undocumented immigrants to evade deportation if they arrived in the country before the age of sixteen, are no older than the age of thirty presently, have been in the United States concurrently the last five years, have no criminal records, and will be or are attending college or will join the military for a no less than a two year term. In totality, it is est imated, that this policy will affect the immediate lives of approximately 800,000 young people residing in the United States today (Preston, and Cushman Jr. A1) The policy will, also, allow for a guaranteed reprieve from deportation, renewable on a two-year basis, and will grant the eligible the opportunity to receive educational financial aid, work permits, and drivers’ licenses. According to President Obama it is the right thing to do at this point in the country. He stated that it is a step towards making immigration concerns,†Ã¢â‚¬ ¦more fair, more efficient, and more just...† (qtd. in Cohen) He continued to explain that there is no logical reasons to deport talented and productive young people who, in all but title, are Americans. Obama’s act has raised many issues, beyond the main point of immigration that have given rise to many outspoken commentaries in opposition. Charles E. Grassley of Iowa, like many other Republicans, have accused the president of breaking the law by bypassing Congress and following through with his directive that he may not have the legal authority to enforce. (Preston, and Cushman Jr. A1) Others focus less on the president’s actions and more about the affect of his edict. They feel that the executive order will grant, to individuals who are already in violation of