DACA deadline marked as a day of action to urge Congress for legislative solution

While a nationwide injunction halted the Trump Administration’s plan to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, an Obama-era executive order, on March 5, a legislative solution remains deadlocked in Congress.

Across the country, including in Houston, immigrant rights activists marked the deadline as a day of action.

Students at Yes Prep Academy North Central Campus walked out to protest the deadline. The organization United We Dream Houston rallied and marched near NRG Stadium urging Congress to advance legislation that would give Dreamers a pathway to citizenship known as the DREAM Act.

"We cannot be living court decision to court decision," said Daniel Candelaria, a DACA recipient. Candelaria, 29, was brought to the U.S. when was 11 years old from Mexico. 

With the injunction, those who were already part of the DACA program were able to renew their two year work permit. However, they fear their jobs and lives are on the line without action from Congress.

"All my efforts, my studying -- there’s no point to that because I’m not going to be able to work and take care of my patients any longer," said Laura Rodriguez, a DACA recipient and occupational therapist. Her work permit expires in November. Rodriguez, 26, was brought to the U.S. from Mexico when she was 2 years old.