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

Free to republish but please credit the People's Tribune. Visit us at www.peoplestribune.org, email peoplestribune@gmail.com, or call 773-486-3551.

The People’s Tribune brings you articles written by individuals or organizations, along with our own reporting. Bylined articles reflect the views of the authors. Unsigned articles reflect the views of the editorial board. Please credit the source when sharing: ©2024 peoplestribune.org. Please donate to help us keep bringing you voices of the movement. Click here. We’re all volunteer, no paid staff.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Featured

‘I Am a Political Prisoner’ Says Jailed Immigrant Rights Activist

In this interview with Democracy Now, Journalist Maria Hinojosa describes her recent interview in an ICE detention center in Colorado with jailed immigration activist Jeanette Vizguerra.

War No More – Veterans Reflect on the Meaning of Memorial Day

Veterans for Peace say wars will not end, – and nuclear war will not be averted – unless there is a sea-change in the thinking of the U.S. people and our political leaders.

Harvard University Stands Up to Illegal Federal Government Actions

Read letter by Harvard President Alan M. Garner, about the University's stance on the Federal government's illegal actions to force Harvard to give up the school's academic independence and academic freedom.

Trump’s Big Cruel, Deadly Policy Bill is a Healthcare Heist

Outrage is rising against Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill” that would give massive tax breaks to the rich while slashing Medicaid, nutrition, and clean energy. Some say 14 million people could lose health coverage.

Is FREE Electricity in our Future?

Electricity should be a right, free to all.  Yet, for-profit energy companies set prices to maximize profits to shareholders, even when users can’t afford the prices and suffer shutoffs.

More from the People's Tribune