Debbie Mucarsel-Powell: “DACA recipients are our neighbors. They are entrepreneurs, college graduates, educators, and healthcare providers. DACA…”

“DACA recipients are our neighbors. They are entrepreneurs, college graduates, educators, and healthcare providers. DACA recipients are helping our country lead in science, technology, and medicine. Jorge Cortes is one those DACA recipients. Jorge came to the United States from Colombia when he was a teenager. Despite his undocumented status, Jorge worked hard. He contributed to his community and eventually graduated from Florida International University. After graduating, he quickly established himself as an entrepreneur in Miami's technology and social innovation sector, eventually employing upwards of 15 people. For his entrepreneurship and leadership, Jorge was awarded the keys to both Miami-Dade County and the city of Miami. A path to citizenship for DACA and TPS recipients like Jorge, would add $1.2 billion, annually, to Florida's economy. In our discussions about DACA, immigration reform, and the economy, it is easy to forget that DACA recipients are also people. DACA isn't just the right thing to do for our economy, it is the moral thing to do. It is time that our immigration system treats all of them as people, too.”