The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program has completed 12 years and has allowed hundreds of thousands of immigrants in the United States to study, work and live without fear of deportation. However, the celebration is marked by uncertainty due to Republicans' efforts to end the program and the possible re-election of Donald Trump, who has tried to suspend DACA.

While DACA has benefited many, there are millions of young immigrants who do not qualify for the program because of restrictions and ongoing legal battles. By 2025, no new undocumented high school graduates will qualify for DACA, increasing the urgency of elections. Critics, such as the executive director of United We Dream Action, Greisa Martínez Rosas, are pressuring Biden to protect immigrants more, but they also support his re-election to avoid a new Trump administration.

The situation creates frustration and uncertainty among young immigrants who are unable to complete their DACA applications. Still, many continue to fight for change, engaging in activism and civic life. According to NBC News, conservative-leaning people and many Republicans argue that DACA should never have existed and advocate its dissolution.

Karime Rodriguez, a former DACA recipient, expresses disappointment at the lack of progress on immigration reform, but emphasizes the importance of voting for candidates who enable future change, noting that Trump is not that option, according to NBC.

The Biden administration, despite accepting new DACA applications, does not process them due to court rulings, leaving many immigrants in limbo. The White House plans events to mark the anniversary of DACA and is trying to offer health coverage to DACA recipients.