I’m Anxious About the Future of DACA For People Like Me — But I’m Not Defeated

In September 2023, United States District Judge Andrew Hanen once again ruled the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program illegal. The ruling creates an unsafe and fearful environment for DACA recipients, many of whom have lived in this country since childhood. Rosio Santos Castelan of the Edward W. Hazen Foundation shares what it means to live with the anxiety this decision has caused for her and many like her in her opinion piece for POPSUGAR, I’m Anxious About the Future of DACA For People Like Me — but I’m Not Defeated.

“Despite this ruling, DACA recipients will continue to persevere in the face of relentless political attacks. I experience it every day and see it magnified on a larger scale through my role at the Edward W. Hazen Foundation, where we support the organizing and leadership of young people and communities of color in dismantling structural inequity based on race and class.”

Rosio knows the power of collective action. As scary as the uncertainty of DACA may be, she is certain that DACA recipients and undocumented people will face this fight head on. Immigrant communities have persevered through threats of displacement and violence time and time again — and they will do it again if they must. Because of community organizers, like Movimiento Poder in Denver, Colorado, Judge Hanen’s decision will not go unchallenged.

The future of DACA is uncertain, but there is no doubt that undocumented people will fight for their right to a safe and stable home.