Immigration protections for undocumented people who arrived as kids, known as DACA, is facing another existential threat in a Texas court
but Dreamers and their advocates aren't waiting around to determine their next steps should the program end ⤵️ https://sfstandard.com/politics/a-judge-may-undo-a-key-immigration-program-what-can-californias-150k-dreamers-do-next/
Many are starting their own businesses, allowing their stable to be income should the work permits that come with DACA be taken away
ex. Yaquelin Valencia runs a floral business out of her family's Richmond home of 25 years, with another Dreamer friend
Dreamers can also pursue employee sponsorship, assumed to be just for tech workers but used even by mom and pop restaurants
“It can be a viable option for a lot of DACA recipients," said immigration attorney Ghassan Shamieh https://sfstandard.com/politics/a-judge-may-undo-a-key-immigration-program-what-can-californias-150k-dreamers-do-next/
The instability of DACA has loomed for years. Once Trump was elected, Stanford critical care nurse Eli Oh starting looking into his options
After some persistence, he got Stanford to sponsor him and nearly 5 years ago, got his green card in the mail
“It was really surreal, and in some ways, it still is,” Oh said. “This was just such a big existential crisis, and now, I live a normal, privileged life. You never know what your options are." https://sfstandard.com/politics/a-judge-may-undo-a-key-immigration-program-what-can-californias-150k-dreamers-do-next/
Until a long-awaited Congressional fix comes, these are the routes Dreamers are orienting themselves with
"Instead of being blindsided, they’re making preparations for what seems to be a ‘beyond DACA’ moment. The blueprint is there.” https://sfstandard.com/politics/a-judge-may-undo-a-key-immigration-program-what-can-californias-150k-dreamers-do-next/
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