DACA in the Supreme Court: the impact on undocumented youth

Latest

Immigrant rights protest, Detroit, MI.
PHOTO/DAYMONJHARTLEY.COM

 
Editor’s note: Below are excerpts from a longer article from the Tribuno del Pueblo. See the full version at http://bit.ly/DACAsupremecourt.
Trump’s decision to rescind DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) has left recipients of the program questioning their future in the country more than ever. For many, the program opened doors to new opportunities . . . and the feeling of belonging.
Now the debate over the legality of the program has finally made its way to the Supreme Court. Families, employers, universities and various organizations all rely on DACA’s existence and that just might be what saves the program.
When DACA was implemented in 2012, Luis was one of the first people eligible to apply. He started working as a dishwasher . . . today, he is a sous-chef in one of Chicago’s best restaurants. The possible termination of DACA threatens his career and puts his family in financial risk.
Prior to DACA, finding a job with a stable income was not accessible to undocumented immigrants. For many, it still isn’t. Armando, however, was hired as a UPS driver and has since been able to maintain a job with great pay and benefits . . . DACA was [also] able to create a sense of belonging for him. Growing up undocumented meant fearing his parents might be taken away in a police encounter.
Karen, a recent college transfer student, spoke of feeling disheartened because of her status. After years of studying, working, and training, Karen was finally able to secure a scholarship to attend a four-year university. Now . . . she worries if her degree will even be worth anything after graduation.
Why is the government doing this? It is cruel to give hope to more than 700,000 people only to later threaten them with losing everything. DACA recipients are worthy of a pathway to citizenship . . . because of their humanity. They are our neighbors and part of our communities. [And] they are only a micro group in the population of immigrants. Parents of DACA recipients, youth ineligible for DACA, and undocumented immigrants of all backgrounds are all worthy of living fearlessly.
In choosing to not pass a comprehensive immigration reform, politicians have shown that they do not care that the lives of millions remain uncertain. The Trump administration has used undocumented youth as a bargaining chip, but they are not the first administration to keep undocumented immigrants waiting for a stable future.
Immigration reform is long overdue and until something permanent happens, individuals like Luis, Armando, and Karen will continue to live by deadlines and uncertainty.
 

Eyewitness account: Migrants tell of fleeing atrocities in Mexico

Covid-19: Activists call for release of detention facility detainees


Covid-19: Activists call for release of detention facility detainees 

PT Logo collage
+ Articles by this author

The People’s Tribune opens its pages to voices of the movement for change. Our articles are written by individuals or organizations, along with our own reporting. Bylined articles reflect the views of the authors. Articles entitled “From the Editors” reflect the views of the editorial board. Please credit the source when sharing: peoplestribune.orgPlease donate to help us keep bringing you voices of the movement for change. Click here. We’re all volunteer, no paid staff. The People’s Tribune is a 501C4 organization.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Featured

Fragile Ceasefire Victory and the Role of the Global Movement

In 2024, 125 nations of the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel's Prime Minister. This and countless other unprecedented acts of resistance took place against a “war” that revealed itself daily as outright genocide. The world’s people expressed their common humanity through actions and voices...sustaining this epic unity for the battles that lie ahead is critical for real peace..."

“No Kings” Protests Set to Sweep US Even as Trump Increases Attacks on Activists

Republicans are already smearing the protesters, but their intimidation tactics are out of touch with reality.

ICE Fears Put Pregnant Immigrants and Their Babies at Risk

Fear of deportation is deterring people without permanent legal status from critical care. Doctors are worried for the health of pregnant immigrants, and the health of their pregnancies. This story was originally reported by 19thnews.org.

Government Shutdown and the Blame Game

Using a bold-faced lie President Trump and Vice President Vance blamed immigrants, particularly the undocumented, for the government shutdown now in effect throughout the country. The Republican plan would increase Obamacare payments and make Medicaid cuts.

Emmy-Winning Journalist Deported After Reporting on Anti-Trump Protest

Emmy award-winning journalist Mario Guevara was deported to El Salvador – a country he fled over 20 years ago — in retaliation for filming law enforcement activities, says the Committee to Protect Journalists.

More from the People's Tribune