To the Editor:

The American dream is a shining beacon of hope around the world. This is precisely why it is imperative that citizens understand the importance of protecting the Dreamers and the entire DACA program. What message will it send to the world if we fail to protect about 700,000 people yearning for freedom, prosperity and independence?

We must incorporate DACA as a cornerstone to the larger effort of comprehensive immigration reform. We can’t leave these fine people in the lurch. Mr. President, the American people implore you to see reason and put aside your preconceived notions and political bias. Yes, we must double down on security at the border and open up a national fight against gang violence in our major cities. However, we should not punish innocent people and mistake them for hardened criminals.

We should grant citizenship to these Dreamers, who serve our country in the military, pay payroll and sales taxes, and receive an education to advance their future and that of our broader American family. We demand a policy of common sense and humanity. America must preserve DACA and return to our founding principles.

Henry J.H. Wilson

Barrington, Ill.

To the Editor:

Conservative justices on the Supreme Court, taking the president’s word, have apparently decided to let President Trump have his way and end DACA. Justices Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh make clear that instead of practicing judicial independence and acting as a check on his power, they will defer to the president.

In the future, will they take the same approach, assuming the next president has made “ a very considered decision,” or will they question a president who doesn’t share their political views? The founding fathers are rolling over in their graves at this latest violation of the norms we have fought for over nearly 250 years.