Editorial: Understand and defend DACA recipients
The Trump administration's decision to end DACA was devastating to many and will directly impact millions of people - including at Rice. President Leebron pledged to continue to advocate for and protect DACA recipients. It is heartening to see that Rice leadership does not hesitate to stand up to this threat to our community. Nevertheless, fears regarding this decision rightly remain high.
In light of this change, it is vital that those who are not directly affected educate ourselves and listen to the concerns of impacted populations. Without doing so, even well-intentioned efforts may backfire. For example, the argument that DACA recipients can't be held responsible for their parents' actions miscasts parents as criminals; additionally, making assumptions about recipients' identities only masks the issues that many face.
Whether we know it or not, we have loved ones and peers whose only protection is DACA. With this turn of events, we must take into account the broad range of people who rely on the overturned legislation, and continue to advocate with a better understanding of those we hope to protect.
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