In June 2012, the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, was launched by the Obama administration. Over five years later, in September 2017 the Trump administration has officially rescinded the program. The US Congress now has 6 months to pass a bill and end the program, or not.

DACA is a program which allows some illegal immigrants the chance to work and go to school in the United States without being deported. The program was designed to let people who came to the United States as children a chance to get a job or go to school without the fear of deportation.

Brandon (who asked for his last name to not be mentioned in this article), is a third-year student at NMSU who is majoring in architecture. He was going to graduate next year, but with DACA disappearing, he is scared for his future.

“It was hard when I was hiding, but it got easier once I got my permit,” Brandon said. It helped me work and come to school, and it made me feel more human. Hearing that DACA was going to be terminated, I felt like my dreams were being ripped out of my heart.”

For many DACA students, they have been given an opportunity to get an education and a good paying job. According to the Center for American Progress, DACA students have been able to get a better education and higher paying jobs. This allows them to be contributing members of society.

“I was able to progress in my life and I got my own car. It was good. I had my hopes up. I work all day and I study all night, and I’ve been doing that because that’s what I wanted to do. When I was in high school I didn’t even know I would be able to attend college,” Brandon said.

However, the termination of DACA doesn’t only affect its recipients. Noelle Andrade has a Master’s Degree in public health, and she says she is proud to stand beside DACA students and their family members.

“Revoking this program is disastrous. It is an attack on not only immigrants, but I would say our whole community because these are our family and friends.” Andrade said. “We are here today to stand together and not just defend DACA recipients, but all immigrants.”

Andrade is not a DACA student, but she said she has many friends who are, and she stands by them, and any other immigrant.

“I’m originally from Los Angeles, and about half the people that I know are affected by this issue. I am honored to stand with them.” Andrade said.

Protests against President Trump’s decision have been going on all day, and many people across the nation continue to rally against it. However, the fate of the DACA students is uncertain, and students like Brandon are scared of what their futures might hold.