In this episode, Mayra and I interviewed the brave Solange, a DACA recipient who shared with us the benefits of this program but first, let’s begin with a definition of DACA which stands for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. This law was an executive order entered by President Barack Obama back in 2012 in order to allow thousands of young people who were brought to the USA illegally as children to receive a two-year renewable deferred action from deportation and to be eligible for work. Nonetheless, there are several requirements that one must meet to be eligible and those are the following:
Be under the age of 31 as of June 15, 2012;
Entered the United States prior to your 16th birthday;
Resided in the United States since June 15, 2007, and be currently present in the U.S.;
Be in the United States on June 15, 2012, and must be physically in the U.S. at the time of filing for request for deferred action;
Entered the United States without border inspection before June 15, 2012.
Must be currently in school, have graduated, or obtained an equivalent certificate of completion from high school, successfully obtained a general education development (GED) certificate.
Must not have been convicted of a felony, significant misdemeanor, three or more other misdemeanors, and must not pose a threat to national security or public safety.
Despite the above requirements and the fact that thousands of people have benefited from this program, the current administration led by “President Trump” has threatened to end it putting in jeopardy not only DACA recipients but also their families.
Solange takes us through her journey of coming to the USA as a child, having to face many challenges that immigrants suffer in a foreign country; however, with such determination that has helped her overcome any barriers and be a productive individual to our community. Nevertheless, emotionally impacted by the recent news which potentially compromises her stay in the USA. At IBC, we applaud her efforts and support her to continue fighting towards achieving her goals.
We are hoping this episode helps our audience to gain awareness about the reality of DACA recipients, their struggle, and pain, as well as their accomplishments and dreams.
