Political inaction on immigration reform is resulting in unseen collateral damage—the wasted potential of millions of undocumented youth. While politicians continue to fight over legislation, bright minds are bound by their status, unable to secure jobs, obtain financial aid for college, or see a future for themselves in a country they call home.

What's more, President Trump has explicitly declared his intention to terminate DACA. This would expose more than 750,000 protected individuals to the threat of deportation, lost tuition, and unemployment.

In 2012, President Obama offered a bright spot with the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. While limited in scope, the program grants temporary deportation relief and work permits to select immigrants brought as children to the United States—for some, the only country they’ve ever really known. Finally, these hardworking young people had the opportunity to flourish.

Recognizing the deep impact that immigration issues have on children, Teach for America became one of many organizations to stand up and invite DACA recipients to work as corps members. Today, about 100 young people with DACA status are teaching in communities across the country.

In this video, meet three teachers from California and Colorado and understand how DACA and Teach for America have changed their lives.

More Learning Resources

• See a state-by-state guide to policies on tuition and enrollment for undocumented students
• Share our resource guide for immigrant families