HomeMy WebLinkAbout1215 - IN SUPPORT of extension of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) Program1
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RESOLUTION 1215
A RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF EXTENSION OF THE DEFERRED
ACTION FOR CHILDHOOD ARRIVALS (DACA) PROGRAM
AND PERMANENT LEGAL STATUS FOR DREAMERS
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BOULDER, COLORADO, HEREBY FINDS
AND RECITES:
A. 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
B. The ability for youth to live and work in their communities without fear of
deportation is the foundation of sound, responsible immigration policy; and
C. 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
D. 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
E. 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
F. 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
G. Colorado has an estimated 17,000 DACA recipients; and
H. 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 and 2018;
and
1. 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
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J. 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
K. The young people who entered this country before they were 16 who benefit from
DACA, have significant bipartisan support; and
L. 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
M. 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 BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
BOULDER, COLORADO:
Section 1. That because our community has historically come together in the face of great
challenges, we call on all governmental, business and nonprofit 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.
Section 2. That the City of Boulder calls on the Colorado Delegation, Congress and the President
to permanently address the legal status of DREAMERS in such a way as to allow them a path to
permanent United States citizenship.
Adopted this 5th day of September, 2017.
ATTEST:
Ly e Beck, City Clerk
CITY OF BOULDER, COLORADO
Suzanne