DACA in Turmoil

Derek Lawson

Alright, welcome back to The Immigration Conversation. I’m Derek Lawson, here with Ruby Sturt. Today, we’re diving into what’s been a pretty wild week for DACA recipients—honestly, for the whole immigration community. Ruby, I don’t know about you, but I’ve been glued to the news since the Trump administration’s sudden about-face on DACA.

Ruby Sturt

Yeah, Derek, it’s been a bit of a rollercoaster, hasn’t it? So, for anyone who’s just catching up, the administration basically reversed its position overnight. They’re now urging DACA recipients to self-deport—offering, what, a thousand bucks and a free flight out? It sounds like a bad game show, but it’s real life.

Derek Lawson

Yeah, and the Department of Homeland Security put out this advisory, reminding everyone that DACA “does not confer legal status.” That’s a direct quote. So, even though DACA’s been around since 2012—thanks, Obama—it’s always been this temporary protection, right? It lets folks who were brought here as kids work legally, stay out of the shadows, but it’s not a green card. It’s not citizenship. And now, the administration’s basically saying, “Time’s up.”

Ruby Sturt

Exactly. And, you know, this isn’t the first time DACA’s been on the chopping block, but the tone is different. Like, before, there was all this talk about “Dreamers” deserving a path, and now it’s, “Here’s your ticket home, don’t let the door hit you.” I mean, how does this compare to what we’ve seen in the past, Derek?

Derek Lawson

Well, I think the big difference is the speed and the messaging. In the past, even when there were threats to end DACA, there was at least some acknowledgment of the contributions these folks make. Now, it’s just—bam—leave or risk deportation. And the DHS is being really clear: DACA doesn’t give you legal status. That’s always been true, but it’s never been weaponized quite like this.

Ruby Sturt

Yeah, and the offer for self-deportation with incentives? That’s new. I mean, it’s not just, “You have to go,” it’s, “We’ll pay you to go.” It’s wild. And it’s left a lot of people, especially in places like the Bay Area, feeling totally blindsided.

Ruby Sturt

So, let’s talk about what this actually looks like on the ground. I spoke to a DACA recipient near Fresno—he wanted to stay anonymous, which, honestly, says a lot about the fear right now. He came here from Mexico when he was six, his parents are farmworkers, and he’s been doing everything “right.” Good grades, no trouble, all that. And he told me, “It just felt like the rug was pulled out beneath us.”

Derek Lawson

Yeah, I read that too. And it’s not just fear, it’s confusion. People don’t know what to do next. There was that story about a friend who actually self-deported—went back to Panama. That’s not something we’ve heard much about before, at least not in these numbers.

Ruby Sturt

No, and it’s heartbreaking. I mean, imagine building your whole life here, and then suddenly you’re being told, “Actually, you should leave. Here’s a plane ticket.” And it’s not just individuals—it’s families, it’s whole communities. I remember, in a previous episode, we talked about how policy changes can feel like a patchwork, right? This is another example. One day you’re planning your future, the next you’re packing your bags.

Derek Lawson

And then you’ve got people like Yaquelin Valencia, who’s now working with Faith in Action. She came here as a toddler, and now she’s organizing, educating other Dreamers, trying to keep people informed and connected. That kind of advocacy is so important, especially when the official guidance is changing by the hour.

Ruby Sturt

Yeah, Yaquelin said, “My mum brought us here to escape drug violence and poverty. Now I’m going to be more cautious, and I’m going to continue to educate fellow Dreamers. This is why we have to keep organizing.” It’s that sense of, “If we don’t look out for each other, who will?” And honestly, that’s what I keep hearing in these interviews—people are scared, but they’re not giving up.

Derek Lawson

It’s resilience, but it’s also exhaustion. I mean, how many times can you have your future yanked away before you just—well, I don’t know. Where was I going with this? Oh right, it’s just, the uncertainty is brutal. And it’s not just legal uncertainty, it’s emotional, it’s financial, it’s everything.

Derek Lawson

So, let’s talk about what people can actually do right now. Bill Hing over at the University of San Francisco—he’s been fielding calls nonstop. His advice is pretty clear: if you’re a DACA recipient, sit down with a competent immigration attorney. There might still be a pathway to lawful permanent residence, but you need someone who knows the law inside and out.

Ruby Sturt

Yeah, and I think that’s key. Like, don’t just panic and make a decision on your own. There are still options, but you need proper advice. And, you know, the community’s stepping up too. There are legal clinics, advocacy groups, people sharing resources. It’s not a replacement for policy stability, but it helps.

Derek Lawson

And then you’ve got Governor Newsom coming out swinging, calling the federal move “politically motivated” and “hypocritical.” He’s basically saying, “This isn’t about public safety, it’s about chaos.” Which, I mean, that’s a pretty strong statement from the state level.

Ruby Sturt

Yeah, and it’s not just rhetoric. California’s got a long history of pushing back on federal immigration crackdowns. But, at the end of the day, people still have to make really tough choices. Like, do you stay and risk it, or do you take the offer and leave? And can community support really make up for all this instability? I don’t know. I hope so, but it’s a big ask.

Derek Lawson

Yeah, and I think, if there’s one thing we’ve learned from all these episodes—whether it’s DACA, visa fees, ICE raids—it’s that you can’t go it alone. Get advice, stay connected, and don’t make any big moves without talking to someone who knows the system. That’s my two cents, anyway.

Ruby Sturt

Couldn’t agree more, Derek. And, look, we’ll keep following this story as it develops. If you’re listening and you’ve got questions or stories to share, reach out. We’re here for the conversation, and we’ll be back with more updates soon. Thanks for tuning in, Derek—always a pleasure.

Derek Lawson

Thanks, Ruby. Take care, everyone, and stay safe out there. We’ll catch you next time on The Immigration Conversation.