HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Ten years ago today, the Department of Homeland Security announced the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) policy.
That policy has allowed hundreds of thousands of noncitizens who were brought to the United States as children to live, study, and work in this country.
Hutch in Harmony has a DACA recipient, Esmeralda Tovar-Mora that has led an effort to help her fellow Dreamers stay in the country through a program called #SaveTheDream.
"We have been able to fund 12 DACA renewals at $495 a piece," Tovar-Mora said. "That's about $5940, we've been able to raise for this dream. We are so excited that we have funds this year to be able to set aside to fund another 12."
Tovar-Mora is still amazed at how she can help.
"It's an absolute dream to be able to do this and give back," Tovar-Mora said. "It has been so life changing for so many people who felt like they had no way to renew and would lose their status and their work permit and their license and everything else. This permit has allowed so many people to be able to work and go to school and be a part of their communities. That's all that Dreamers want to do."
If there is not action by Congress, DACA could not last much longer.
"It's so tenuous right now, with the court case in the Fifth Circuit right now," Tovar-Mora said. "It could completely take away the program, or it could continue with two year renewals or there could be a permanent solution. What I want is permanent protections for DACA recipients, TPS holders, and I feel like right now there is bipartisan support from both sides for this."
You can still donate to Dreamers via the #SaveTheDream GoFundMe page.