Millions of Dreamers in the United States are wondering if they will be able to work, study, or even stay in the country they call home alongside their family and friends in a few months’ time. This uncertainty isn’t new. Even with the introduction of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program 10 years ago, there has always been an element of uncertainty, and this has only increased in the last few years.  

When DACA was put in place in 2012, it was meant as a temporary program to protect Dreamers and give them access to different opportunities in the U.S. During the last 10 years, DACA has benefitted over 600,000 recipients, allowing them to stay in the country lawfully with the ability to study and work. However, the program has been very contentious, resulting in multiple court cases against it.  

In July 2021, District Judge Andrew Hanen from Texas ruled that DACA was unlawful. While this rule did not affect the status of people who had DACA at that time, it halted the ability for many qualifying Dreamers to apply for the program, including those with pending applications.  

Last week, Judge Hanen’s rule was argued in the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals where the U.S. Department of Justice and allies emphasized the many contributions of Dreamers and advocated for the importance of DACA, and Texas and eight other states claimed the program has negative economic impacts. The court’s ruling likely will not be released for at least a month. Regardless of this decision, there is a strong possibility this case will move on to the Supreme Court next year.  

In this period of waiting for whatever comes next, so many people across the country are wondering what will happen to them or their loved ones. The end of DACA would be catastrophic, not only for Dreamers but for the country as a whole. But we need to remember that DACA is not the solution. Dreamers have been living from court case to court case without seeing progress in legislation. Ten years is too long for a temporary protection to last without movement toward a permanent solution.  

Dreamers are our neighbors, coworkers, students, friends, and family members. They are active members of our communities who have contributed in ways great and small. Leaders across many different sectors in the country recognize the importance of Dreamers to our communities and are actively calling Congress to take action. We also have the ability and responsibility to use our voices to speak up. Please join me in contacting your senators to let them know that we need a permanent, bipartisan, legislative solution that recognizes Dreamers and their many contributions to this country they call home.