A federal judge's decision in Texas is set to upend the lives of tens of thousands of young undocumented immigrants known as "Dreamers." The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, created in 2012 by President Barack Obama, provides deportation protections and work permits to over half a million immigrants who arrived in the US as children without permission.
In Texas alone, more than 86,000 Daca recipients live and contribute significantly to the state economy. However, their status is precarious due to an ongoing court battle that may strip them of their work permits and ability to remain in the country legally.
Daca has survived several attempts by former President Donald Trump's administration to terminate it, but it remains threatened by a lawsuit filed by Republican-led states. A federal judge, Andrew Hanen, who presides over Texas cases, will soon rule on competing proposals for Daca's future, which could have far-reaching consequences for the recipients.
Under one proposal submitted by the Trump administration, Daca recipients in Texas would lose their income and career opportunities if it becomes law. The plan also calls for revoking work permits issued to Texans enrolled in the program, potentially forcing them to relocate elsewhere.
Critics argue that such a move would have devastating effects on Texas's economy, as most Daca recipients are employed, earning an average of $55,000 per year and paying over $830 million in state and local taxes each year. Furthermore, they contribute nearly $2.1 billion annually to social security and Medicare programs.
Laura Alguera, a 32-year-old mother who was born in Mexico City and came to the US at four, fears that losing her work permit would mean leaving behind her family's dream and struggling to make ends meet. "How am I going to explain it to my clients? If I have to go to another state it would feel like I'm escaping," she said.
Immigration rights groups are urging Daca recipients to wait for Hanen's decision before taking any action, as the stakes are high and their lives hang in the balance. The case highlights the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Daca and the need for lawmakers to pass legislation that provides a permanent solution for these young undocumented immigrants.
In Texas alone, more than 86,000 Daca recipients live and contribute significantly to the state economy. However, their status is precarious due to an ongoing court battle that may strip them of their work permits and ability to remain in the country legally.
Daca has survived several attempts by former President Donald Trump's administration to terminate it, but it remains threatened by a lawsuit filed by Republican-led states. A federal judge, Andrew Hanen, who presides over Texas cases, will soon rule on competing proposals for Daca's future, which could have far-reaching consequences for the recipients.
Under one proposal submitted by the Trump administration, Daca recipients in Texas would lose their income and career opportunities if it becomes law. The plan also calls for revoking work permits issued to Texans enrolled in the program, potentially forcing them to relocate elsewhere.
Critics argue that such a move would have devastating effects on Texas's economy, as most Daca recipients are employed, earning an average of $55,000 per year and paying over $830 million in state and local taxes each year. Furthermore, they contribute nearly $2.1 billion annually to social security and Medicare programs.
Laura Alguera, a 32-year-old mother who was born in Mexico City and came to the US at four, fears that losing her work permit would mean leaving behind her family's dream and struggling to make ends meet. "How am I going to explain it to my clients? If I have to go to another state it would feel like I'm escaping," she said.
Immigration rights groups are urging Daca recipients to wait for Hanen's decision before taking any action, as the stakes are high and their lives hang in the balance. The case highlights the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Daca and the need for lawmakers to pass legislation that provides a permanent solution for these young undocumented immigrants.
I'm seriously worried about what will happen to all those Dreamers if this judge's decision goes through! My kid has friends who are DACA recipients and they're already super stressed about their future. They work hard, pay taxes, and contribute so much to our community. It doesn't seem fair that we should have to worry about losing them because of a bunch of politicians' decisions. Can't we just treat them like humans and give them some stability? 
We should be working towards solutions that bring everyone together, not tearing each other apart.
. I feel so bad for Laura Alguera, she's got a family and a life here that she's built up from scratch 
. Can you imagine having to move away from everything you love just because of your immigration status? 
It's so messed up that lawmakers can't even agree on a permanent solution 
.
. I remember people saying 'Dreamers' were a crisis, but now it's like they're being used as pawns in some bigger game. Texas is gonna lose out on all that tax revenue if those Daca recipients start leaving? It's like we forgot how much they contributed already! 
.
- 86k+ people who are already contributing to the state economy and making a difference 
. Losing their work permits would be a total disaster for them and Texas as a whole 
... anyway, I was watching this news on DACA and it got me thinking - have you guys ever tried to plan a party and then something comes up at the last minute? Like, you're all set with the decorations and food, but then your mom calls and says she can't make it. It's stressful! 
... what's next? forcing them to leave the country? 
that would be a total disaster for families like Laura's who depend on these young adults for income & support 
it's time for lawmakers to step up & pass some real legislation, not just wait around for another judge's decision 
