In 2012, Lalo joined a protest at an Obama campaign office in Denver demanding action for people, like himself, who were undocumented. He was part of a youth-led movement that helped mount the pressure leading to the creation of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). The DACA population is 14 years older now while permanent protections remain out of reach. And still, DACA recipients like Lalo are advocating for a vision of the country where everyone, including those who are undocumented, can thrive.

DACA recipients are marking the program’s anniversary with their futures in deeper limbo. Last week, amid reports of recipients being detained or deported, Congress passed a reconciliation package that included nearly $70 billion in additional funding for ICE and CBP.

“There’s this fear that the worst could happen,” says Lalo. “It feels like the pandemic, just staying home and doing what we can to stay safe.”

When Lalo felt safer traveling in years past, he would regularly visit family in another state, including his daughter, who is a U.S. citizen. When DACA was created, she was three-years-old. Today, she is 17, and preparing to enter her senior year of high school. Over the years, Lalo has had to navigate difficult conversations with her about his temporary immigration status and the sacrifices to maintain his safety. 

Recently, his daughter started a new job and received a leadership award. Lalo says he wishes he could have experienced both milestones alongside her.

“As a parent, you want to be there in person for those moments like visiting your kid when they’re at work. I couldn’t be there for her ceremony and see her go up on stage and accept her award.”

Now that she is older, Lalo says that his daughter has a better understanding of his situation and often writes about it from her perspective. 

“I really admire her for being able to channel this into something positive. She’s showing me with her resilience that she’s going to push for something better in her own activism.”

Like many families, Lalo is navigating delayed renewal applications. His partner is also a DACA recipient and has been waiting three months for her renewal to be processed despite fulfilling all the requirements.

Delays can result in lapsed work permits, job loss, and increased risk of deportation. Lalo says that he and his partner have been forced to prepare for the possibility that they could be forced to leave the country.

“We haven’t been able to plan our lives for more than two years at a time,” he says. “I wonder what life would feel like without worrying about an expiration date.”

Lalo has to contemplate his status when he thinks about whether he’ll be able to attend weddings, graduations, and other family celebrations. 

Lalo’s experience reflects a broader reality facing a generation of DACA recipients who are no longer the young people many Americans still imagine when they hear the term “Dreamer.” The average DACA recipient is now 33-years-old. 

“We have kids now,” says Lalo, who will be 40-years-old next year. ‘We deserve to be respected for our contributions and for strengthening the communities we live in”

DACA has been one of the most successful U.S. immigration policies. Research from FWD.us found that DACA recipients have lived in the United States for decades on average and contribute nearly $16 billion to the U.S. economy each year. 

“’The renewal delays have to stop,” says Lalo. “We need elected leaders to demand answers regarding the long delays and push for citizenship.” 

Congress has the power to create a pathway to citizenship for DACA recipients and undocumented people who have built their lives in the United States. Despite facing heightened uncertainty, DACA recipients continue contributing to their communities while waiting for a permanent solution.

Lalo remains committed to the values that drove him to join the movement years ago. 

“I want my daughter to see me never give up on a vision. This country needs visionaries, that’s what it’s built on. Even if it takes my whole life, it doesn’t matter. I’d rather live fighting for something.”