Since its introduction in 2012, the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, better known as DACA, has served as a beacon of hope for thousands of undocumented young adults who were brought to the U.S. as children.
The Fear Among DACA Recipients
With the prospect of Donald Trump returning to the White House, a wave of apprehension has swept over these ‘Dreamers’. Their livelihoods, their families, and their futures in the country they call home are in jeopardy.
A Personal Account
An anonymous DACA recipient revealed the constant fear that the program could be abruptly ended, leaving her and her two dependents in a precarious situation. She voices her concern, saying she’s always felt in limbo and fears for what could happen to her life as she knows it.
Trump’s Past Attempts at Ending DACA
During his first term, Trump made attempts to end DACA but was unsuccessful. However, with his potential re-election, Dreamers fear that this time, things might be different.
DACA’s Impact on Texas
With roughly 95,000 recipients, Texas has the second highest number of Dreamers in the country. Last month, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals heard oral arguments as Texas and eight other Republican states challenged the legality of DACA under federal immigration law.
The Economic Contributions of DACA Recipients
Immigration Attorney Jaime Diaz pointed out that DACA recipients significantly contribute to the U.S. economy. Eliminating the program, he argues, would not be a wise move. A significant number of DACA recipients live in mixed immigration status households. If the program were to be terminated, it could greatly impact the future of these families.
