It is clear that recipients of deferred action have contributed tremendously to their communities. According to a national survey of 1,402 DACA recipients, approximately 61 percent have obtained a new job since receiving deferred action, and more than half have opened their first bank account. DACA has resulted in greater contributions to the workforce and economic integration. But now it is time to also implement DAPA.
6,991 people have been granted DACA in Tennessee as of March 31, 2015. Source: USCIS
“[DAPA] is really necessary because parents are the backbone of the family,” said Nadia. “How can they support their children if they don’t know how long they will stay together? If people would look around them, they would see an entire population that is ready to work and ready for DAPA.” Nadia and the other DACA recipients profiled in this series demonstrate the benefits we all receive when immigrants can fully realize their potential. They highlight the need to move forward with the expansion of DACA and DAPA.
An estimated 11,000 people in Tennessee are eligible for the current DACA program. Source: Migration Policy Institute
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