UCCS students gather in a peaceful protest as the DACA deadline nears

The fate of nearly 800,000 undocumented immigrants hangs in the balance this week. We’re talking about DACA recipients who were brought here by their parents when they were young. Extending federal protections for those so called Dreamers is one of the biggest issues facing Congress, as lawmakers try to hammer out a new spending bill before midnight Friday. Democrats say, if they can’t get some compromise on DACA, they’ll force a government shut-down.

For those directly affected, a shut-down is the least of their current worries. KRDO NewsChannel13’s Cinthia Maldonado tells us how UCCS students in Colorado Springs used the first day back to class to send a message about the upcoming deadline for the Dream Act.

It started off as a silent protest Dreamers and supporters held signs. Other wore blindfolds and tape over their mouths. “It signifies how they don’t have a voice and how as much as they want to they can’t come out of the shadows.”

(Chant) “No hate no fear immigrants belong here!”

Supporters are chanting for state and local leaders to fight for the nearly 800,000 Dreamers
living in uncertainty. “We are human beings that deserve to live without fear.”

Students here are either DACA recipients or TPS holders. They decided to do this protest to demonstrate disapproval with the termination of TPS and are hoping for a Dream Act soon.

“We are expecting that our Congress people are [going to] be able to represent us and truly show us they support undocumented youth by passing the dream act.”

“And to bring awareness to undocumented students on our campus.”

Still, not everyone on campus expressed support for the Obama-era Dream Act. “I’ve worked with a number of illegal immigrants who work harder than anybody else I’ve ever known. Just the fact that your parents brought you here legally and that you managed to evade the law doesn’t make the fact you’re here illegally any less true.”

“It’s quit moving, it’s quite beautiful and I’m honored to call many of these DACA students my friends.”

“I think people should carefully consider what’s going on and support second generation immigrants who are trying to make America better but also should look at the effects of all the bi-partisan efforts.”

Now, three days away from the funding bill deadline Dreamers say Friday could determine the
course for the rest of their lives.