Many undocumented immigrants on Long Island say they are worried that President Donald Trump’s White House could end the ‘Dreamer’ program, which allows them to stay in the United States.
The children of undocumented immigrants, or “dreamers” as they are called, say they are worried Trump may end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, and are fearful of increased deportation efforts.
Nelson Melgar came to the United States with his undocumented parents and sisters from Honduras. He works legally now as a community liaison with a state assemblyman. He says he’s afraid his status could be revoked at any time along with thousands of others.
"It's almost as if this dream has turned into a nightmare," he told News 12.
At least 10 DACA enrollees are in federal custody, according to United We Dream, an advocacy organization made up of DACA enrollees and other young immigrants.
The Trump administration says it will not take action against dreamers unless they break the law.
Currently, there are 750,000 young undocumented people in the U.S. covered under the Dreamer program.