Former Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio, whose career was largely defined by his opposition to illegal immigration, says his position on DACA recipients is not “kick ’em all out and close the door.” But he does think they should have to leave the U.S. and we should “help them come back” legally. (Photo by Marisela Ramirez/Cronkite News)
Theresa Cardinal Brown, the Bipartisan Policy Center’s director of immigration and cross-border policy, said lawmakers are now sizing each other up but will soon “have to come together and … make a deal” or both sides will lose. (Photo by Adrienne St. Clair/Cronkite News)
Rep. Raul Grijalva, D-Tucson, flanked by other House Democrats at a news conference earlier this month where they renewed their commitment to push for a vote on a “clean” DREAM Act by the end of the year, and threatened to hold up the budget to get it. (Photo by Andrew Nicla/Cronkite News)
Rep. Carlos Curbelo, R-Florida, was joined 14 other House Republicans this month to call for both parties to compromise on a DACA replacement bill, saying the “all or none approach” that is being pushed by advocates and some Democrats will fail. (Photo by Andrew Nicla/Cronkite News)
Rep. Paul Gosar, R-Prescott, shown in a file photo, says opposition to DACA is just common sense. “We are a country of laws and we have the ability … to enforce laws. We can say, ‘Yes, we’ll take a million people or we’ll take zero people.’” (Photo by Charles McConnell/Cronkite News)
Scenes like this have taken place in Washington repeatedly this fall, as DACA supporters take to the streets to rally and make their voices heard. This rally earlier this month drew more than 1,000 people. Opposition to DACA, meanwhile, has been no less strident, but not as visible. (Photo by Andrew Nicla/Cronkite News)
Glendale resident and self-described “Arizona deplorable” Tahnee Gonzales came to the “Mother of All Rallies” on the National Mall in September to show her support of President Donald Trump and his policies. (Photo by Andrew Nicla/Cronkite News)
On one side of the debate are the people who are demanding protection for those covered by Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA. They march. They chant. They protest. On the other side, opponents are just as convinced of their positions. But maybe not as loud.
Our theme song is “Zoo Bells” and we also heard “Lost The Raid,” both by Roddy Nikpour.
In this fifth episode of our In Focus DACA Special Report, we speak with those lawmakers and others who think the Trump administration is right to do away with DACA in its current form.
They told us they think there are alternative ways to protect DACA recipients, or “DREAMers,” those immigrants who were brought to this country illegally as children and may know no other home. But they’re not convinced the DREAM Act is the best solution, and some, at least, are calling for Democrats to work on a compromise measure.
But some Democrats, and many DACA recipients, continue to insist the only possible solution is a “clean” DREAM Act, one that does not include language on a border wall, interior enforcement or other immigration issues.
We also talk to policy experts who help us break down the political game of chicken the two sides are engaged in as a crucial vote on the federal budget looms next month — and the possible government shutdown and other collateral damage that could happen if neither side blinks.
All while the clock continues to tick on Deadline DACA.