Undocumented people, who arrived to the U.S. as children, could soon have no protection against deportation. President Donald Trump is expected to do away with an Obama-era program and the move is bringing a firestorm of criticism.
800,000 is the number of so-called dreamers that would be impacted by the dismantling of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA.
Wearing graduation caps and gowns dreamers marched from Coachman Park in Clearwater to the courthouse. They chanted and waved signs reading "Save DACA" and "Don't let our dream die."
Osiris Hernandez’s parents brought her from Mexico when she was just two-years-old. She says the U.S. is the only home she knows.
“We fight for our family, we fight for our education," said Hernandez, "We want to make America great again.”
According to national media outlets, President Trump plans to dismantle DACA and announce it on September 5.
“This means we will no longer be able to go to school, no longer be able to drive, we won’t be able to dream," said Miriam Trejo.
Like Osiris, Miriam came here when she was six-years-old from Mexico. She’s studying to be a special education teacher but for the first time in years, her future is uncertain. The news is taking its toll. Dreamers across the nation are shouting one message.
“We are not criminals," said Trejo, "I want you guys to know we are not criminals. This is what we are. We go to school. We work two jobs. We put into your economy. We pay our taxes.”
The president has been going back and forth on the program.
"It’s a very, very tough subject," said Trump during a rally, "We are going to deal with DACA with heart.”
However, 10 state attorney generals are forcing his hand by threatening to sue should the White House refuse to end DACA. Other Republicans calling its death necessary for immigration reform.
One of them is Iowa congressman Steve King. He tweeted, "Ending DACA now gives chance 2 restore Rule of Law. Delaying so R Leadership can push Amnesty is Republican suicide."
“Please don’t end it," pleaded Osiris. "There are so many people’s futures that are on the line here.”
Trump expected to give Congress six months to pass a legislative fix before enforcing deportations.
It seems no matter what President Trump decides, a lawsuit is waiting. Now, New York and Washington state announcing they plan to sue should the White House scrap the program.
