The fate of Dreamers in the United States remains uncertain as immigration policies continue to evolve. Despite the looming threats, many DACA recipients refuse to back down, determined to fight for their rights and their future in the only country they’ve ever known.
Standing Strong Amid Uncertainty
Karla Castaneda, executive director of the Workers' Rights Education Project, is one of those unwavering individuals. Speaking with Newsweek, she made it clear that she’s not afraid, even as the possibility of losing her DACA status grows.
“I could lose my DACA come December because I’m fighting against this administration, but at this point, I don’t care,” Castaneda stated defiantly. “We need to fight.”
This fearless stance is not just about her—it’s about the larger undocumented community that often lives in fear. For many Dreamers, standing up for their rights is not just a choice; it’s a necessity.
What’s at Stake for Dreamers?
Dreamers, or DACA recipients, are individuals who were brought to the U.S. as children without legal documentation. Under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, they have been shielded from deportation and granted work permits, but these protections are always at risk of being revoked.
Initially introduced by President Barack Obama in 2012, DACA offered a lifeline to hundreds of thousands of young immigrants. However, in 2017, then-President Donald Trump sought to terminate the program, placing approximately 800,000 Dreamers in limbo. After years of legal battles, the Supreme Court ruled against Trump’s termination attempt in 2020, allowing DACA to continue. But with shifting political landscapes, Dreamers remain on edge.
The Economic Impact of Dreamers
The contributions of DACA recipients to the U.S. economy are significant. According to the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy (ITEP), young undocumented immigrants eligible for DACA contribute roughly $1.7 billion annually in state and local taxes. Furthermore, the Center for American Progress (2023) estimates that collectively, DACA recipients earn nearly $27.9 billion and contribute approximately $2.1 billion each year to Social Security and Medicare.
Despite these contributions, Dreamers continue to face uncertainty, as political debates on immigration intensify. The GOP’s hardline stance on immigration has raised concerns about whether protective measures for Dreamers will remain intact.
The Fear Among Dreamers
For many Dreamers, the fear of deportation is ever-present. Oscar Silva, a 24-year-old Dreamer who has lived in the U.S. for 23 years, spoke about his growing anxiety regarding mass deportations.
“I hope the upcoming Trump administration understands the potential harm and destruction that mass deportations will cause—not just to the economy but to thousands of communities across the nation,” Silva told Newsweek.
That fear is not unwarranted. A Florida middle school science teacher, who was part of the DACA program, was reportedly detained by ICE in February and now faces deportation. Stories like these reinforce the uncertainty that Dreamers face every day.
A Political Tug-of-War
The battle over DACA has long been a point of contention in Washington. While Trump has previously hinted at striking a deal to protect Dreamers, his broader immigration policies, which include mass deportations, cast doubt on any potential compromise.
“I want to be able to work something out,” Trump stated in an NBC News interview, suggesting an openness to negotiating Dreamers’ legal status. However, with immigration remaining a polarizing issue, bipartisan agreements have proven difficult.
Democratic Representative Teresa Leger Fernández of New Mexico has been vocal about the lack of GOP support for Dreamers.
“I have been working to protect the Dreamers for the last 20 years. Unfortunately, Republicans do not want to protect them, even though over 70% of the American public believes we should,” Fernández told Newsweek.
The Fight Continues
Despite the obstacles, Dreamers and their advocates refuse to remain silent. Castaneda remains determined, urging undocumented individuals to stand up against fear tactics.
“The administration does have power, but they don’t have the resources to execute everything they want. Their tactic is to instill fear so that we stop advocating,” she explained.
She highlighted the resilience of undocumented workers: “I have so many day laborers at my center right now who are afraid, but they’ve been here for decades. They’re just seeking the American dream. If they are unafraid, then I am unafraid, and we’re going to keep fighting.”
What’s Next for DACA?
The future of DACA remains uncertain. While the Supreme Court’s 2020 ruling provided temporary relief, the program is still vulnerable to policy changes and legal challenges. As the government intensifies its focus on arrests and deportations, Dreamers find themselves navigating an unpredictable landscape.
Whether Congress can come together to establish permanent protections for Dreamers remains to be seen. Until then, individuals like Castaneda and Silva will continue to push forward, refusing to let fear dictate their future in a country they call home.
One thing is clear: the fight for Dreamers is far from over.
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