With President Trump’s official announcement to end the DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) program Tuesday morning, people have immediately mobilized. Government support along with mass Latino support has made itself known. DACA recipients also have the backing of about 650 college and university presidents.

The importance of DACA was highlighted in an official statement made on Pomona College’s website.  The statement includes the impact DACA has had on  students and campuses, and their commitment to meet with U.S. Officials to further discuss its’ importance.

Most noteworthy, some well-known campuses, such as: Harvard, Stanford, Brown, Columbia, John Hopkins, MIT, Northwestern, Purdue, George Washington, many California colleges, among others have already committed to advocating for DACA recipients. By committing to protect and advocate for DACA students, these campuses and communities are empowered to continue their fight; even with the odds stacked against them.

Important DACA Student Facts

Although president Trump has decided to end the DACA program, it is still in effect and valid. If you receive DACA and it expires before or on March 5, 2018 you can apply for your 2 years renewal until October 5, 2017. Unfortunately, those with DACA that expires after March 5, 2018 aren’t eligible to renew, as of now. In addition, no new initial applications will be processed if they haven’t already been filed. Most importantly, no new advance parole requests will be granted. Those who are out of the country with DACA permission will be allowed back into the country with no consequences.

In accordance with the ending of the DACA program, many community organizations are hosting community events to help those in the process of renewing their DACA, if applicable. Most notibly is the forums to be held to discuss implications and mobilization from the people to urge congress to discuss the issue.

Help For DACA Students

If you are in school, speak to your counselor; they can help you look for student resources. In addition, if you are worried about funding, visit the scholarship office to ask about private scholarships that don’t require U.S. citizenship.

Reach out to community organizations and attend events about next steps. If you can, speak out for DACA recipients, undocumented citizens and the marginalized, fight for their right to have a voice, for an education and a better life.

If you are in emotional or psychological distress reach out to community mental health clinics in your area. Go to student counseling services at your school, if you are on campus. Speak to someone about what is on your mind and help yourself.

DACA recipients, we the people are with you. We will fight and urge Congress to discuss the issue of DACA.

Un pueblo unido jamás será vencido.

We, United, cannot be defeated.

(Painting of"Slow Down Ginger." Courtesy of Mike Parsons)

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About Lesly Guzman

Current college student at NEIU in Chicago, Illinois, future psychologist that serves the world. Self proclaimed Xicana and also feminist (an oh so controversial topic in today's world). I am majoring in psychology with a minor in child advocacy studies and plan to work with minority adolescents and children. Topics of importance to me range from inner city violence (present in Chicago), the importance of funding education (or lack of in my institution's case), to issues of identity, what it means to be a first generation college student, religion and culture, along with the utter most important topic of mental health. I challenge myself in my learning, in my views, and hope I may do the same in a positive manner for those I reach. I plan to help change the world one day, even if it takes a lifetime.

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• First Generation Dreams - May 13, 2018