DACA Renewals Are Delayed, Jobs Are at Risk, and Dreamers Need Support Now

As a DREAMer, every conversation I have with a DACA recipient stays with me. In many ways, those conversations heal me because we carry so many shared struggles. We understand the fear, the uncertainty, and the pressure of having our lives tied to a work permit.

One of the conversations that has impacted me the most was with DACA recipients who were part of the original DREAM Act fight. Hearing their stories reminded me why we must continue talking about DACA and its history. DACA was not handed to us by politicians. It was fought for by youth leaders through organizing, courage, and civil disobedience.

Solo el pueblo salva al pueblo.

Right now, this work is urgent. In South Jersey, many DACA recipients have come to me for guidance because their renewals are delayed and their work permits are expiring. Some submitted their renewals three or four months before expiration and still ended up being laid off, let go, or placed on leave from their jobs. For some, approvals have taken up to seven months.

That kind of waiting affects everything: your job, your family, your stability, and your peace of mind. Some people have shared that they feel depressed because they have no control over the situation. I understand that feeling 100%, and that is why I make sure people feel listened to and supported. Sometimes, simply knowing that someone understands can make a big difference.

My message to DACA recipients and Dreamers is this: your work permit does not define you, and it should never limit your dreams. If you have ever had an idea to start a business or a project that could help you generate income, now is the time to plant that dream.

But we also need information, community, and action. People need to know what steps they can take if a renewal is delayed, how to seek support with a pending case, what an expedite request is, what advance parole means, and what resources are available for Dreamers and their families.

At CATA, we want our community to know that you have a home here. Come to our meetings. Ask questions. Share information. Bring your concerns. Even if you simply need someone to talk to, we will welcome you with open arms.

The media often talks about DREAMers as if we are fragile objects. But it is time for us to grab the microphone and change the narrative. We have to keep sharing our stories so people can see how strong, creative, and wonderful we are.

For support, questions, or more information, contact me at eaquinohuerta@cata-farmworkers.org. To learn about our next meeting and upcoming resources, follow CATA on Facebook and Instagram.