GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - Roberto Hara has worked side-by-side with many Dreamers in West Michigan.
"One young man who is a Dreamer and a DACA recipient recently graduated from Grand Valley State University, I came across a work site and there he was with a wheelbarrow full of rocks, clearing out a backyard and doing that kind of work, hard menial work just to make a living," said Hara.
Last year, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced that the DACA program, which protects the children of undocumented immigrants, would be rescinded. But earlier this month, a federal judge ruled the program, which protects more than 6,000 in Michigan alone, must be restored.
"I was really, really happy to hear that because I've worked with so many and continue to have relationships with many of these students," said Hara.
He said the ruling has allowed some to come out of the shadows.
"There are Dreamers who have been very bold and who have come out in the open saying 'I am a DACA beneficiary and I'm in the process'," continued Hara.
But there is still skepticism until firm action is taken in Washington. "There are still a lot of question marks with regards to what's going to happen to the families of our Dreamers," said Hara.
The Trump administration can appeal the decision to restore the program.
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