Word on the Beat No. 2: DACA
Each week, The Educated Reporter will feature a buzzword or phrase that You Need To Know (yes, this designation is highly subjective but we're giving it a shot). Send your Word on the Beat suggestions to erichmond@ewa.org.
What it means: DACA represents the Obama administration’s aggressive attempt to overhaul the nation’s policies toward undocumented immigrants. For an estimated 1.7 million teens and young adults under age 31, DACA offers a potential means of staying legally in the United States to work or attend school, for up to two years. In order to qualify, the individual must either be in school or have graduated high school, and have no record of serious criminal behavior.
Why it matters: This year’s presidential election results showed Latino voter turnout reached record levels. As a result, immigration issues will almost certainly be at the forefront of the national policy debate in coming months. Interestingly, a number of Republicans – including some high-profile pundits – have reversed their long-held