The end of Obama-era DACA could cost Idaho millions in revenue
Fifteen states and the District of Columbia sued the U.S. government Wednesday to block President Donald Trump’s plan to end protection against deportation for young immigrants, saying it was motivated by prejudice against Mexicans. Idaho is not one of the states suing, but is a state with a large Mexican population.
The Pew Research Center found 9 out of 10 undocumented workers in the Gem State are Mexican. Many of them would be impacted directly by President Trump’s decision to end Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). According to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, 3,132 immigrants in Idaho are DACA recipients. Of those, it is estimated 2,700 are working.
“It is scary that my future lies in the hands of a couple people,” an undocumented DACA recipient said. KIFI/KIDK has chosen to not reveal her identity or name over her fears of possible deportation.
The woman came to Idaho at age 6, when her parents crossed the border. She has called Idaho home for the last 22 years, recently earning a masters of science degree in nuclear engineering from Idaho State University.
“I want to be able to work,” she said. “I want to be able to help people. I have so many ideas.”
Getting her degree would not have been possible without assistance from DACA. Under federal law, in order to receive financial aid, you must have a Social Security number. Being in the country undocumented, the woman did not have and could not get the aid. After DACA, she was able to receive a number and apply for aid. That allowed her to get financial aid to help pay for her master’s degree.
“I don’t consider myself an illegal immigrant,” she said. “I’m just an unlucky one who doesn’t have a paper that says I am from here.”
According to one progressive think tank, losing the working DACA recipients would cost Idaho about $160 million in revenue each year.
Unless Congress acts, under President Trump’s decision, DACA will expire March 5. If you are currently enrolled, you will not be able to renew.
