Let’s Fix DACA for Iowa’s Sake

Jon Sheldahl
Heartland AEA Chief Administrator

Early last week, our President rescinded a previous executive order establishing the Differed Action for Childhood Arrivals program, or DACA. As the chief administrator of Heartland AEA, I am particularly concerned about the potential impact of this decision and will be advocating for Iowa’s congressional delegation to work rapidly for a legislative solution to the matter, one that will secure the rights of so called “dreamers.” Dreamers is the common term for those U.S. residents who have registered under the DACA program and who entered the country as children brought by undocumented parents. Over 700,000 U.S. residents have registered under DACA, and many are students in the classrooms we serve. All are on record as being committed to the idea of becoming American citizens and meeting the responsibilities associated with that citizenship.

At Heartland AEA, our mission statement begins, “To improve the learning outcomes and well-being of all children….” and we believe all means all. That moral imperative is the foundation on which we build and deliver every service we provide. The entire Iowa AEA system was developed to provide an equity of service to all the children of Iowa regardless of zip code, socio-economic status, ethnicity, or resident status. Equity of service means equity of opportunity and we strive to provide the best possible opportunities to every student in Iowa. Rescinding DACA jeopardizes our ability to maximize that opportunity.

We know that children learn when their physical or emotional needs are being met and the current level of uncertainty revolving around DACA is threatening the emotional security of those students who are either registered under DACA or who have parents who are registered. For that reason, the Heartland Board of Directors and I are encouraging educators and supporters of public education to advocate for a quick, legislative solution to this issue. I will be contacting my elected representatives and am encouraging every educator and school advocate to do the same. Failing to resolve this issue puts us at risk of not only dividing families at a terrible emotional cost, but of wasting a valuable resource vital to the future of Iowa.

Below, you will find contact links for all of our federal delegation. I hope you will take the time to advocate for these children and families.

Jon Sheldahl
Chief Administrator
Heartland AEA

House of Representatives

United States Senate