We’re Not Political Chess Pieces. We’re Human Beings.

Where is the humility? Where is the humanity? At what point did we stop seeing people as human beings and start treating their lives, their futures, and their families as political bargaining chips?
Twenty-five years ago, my parents came to the United States with me, chasing what generations of people around the world have called the American Dream. They came searching for opportunity, stability, and the hope of building a better life for their children.

We overstayed our visas. That’s the reality of our story. My parents took a gamble because, in their eyes, it was all they had left. They believed that whatever uncertainty awaited us in America was worth the possibility of giving their children a future they couldn’t otherwise provide.

I was just a child. I didn’t make that decision. I didn’t understand immigration laws, borders, visas, or the consequences that would follow us for decades.
All I knew was that America was home.
I’m 32 years old now. I’ve lived in the United States for 25 years, and I’ve been a DACA recipient for 14 of them.

I have spent nearly 80% of my life in America.

I grew up here. I went to school here. I made friends here. I’ve worked, paid taxes, contributed to my community, and built my dreams around the only country I’ve ever truly known.
I was born somewhere else, but I have no meaningful memories of that place. My childhood, my adolescence, and my entire adult life have unfolded on American soil.

I consider myself American in every way that matters to my identity, even if my citizenship status says otherwise.
And yet, after 25 years, I am still left wondering whether the country I’ve always called home will ever fully recognize me as one of its own.
But what people rarely discuss is the emotional cost of living this way.

The years we’ve lost. The relationships we’ve missed. The people we’ve buried from thousands of miles away.

Can you imagine growing up knowing that your grandparents are on the other side of the world, waiting and hoping that one day they’ll see you again?
Imagine the years passing. Every birthday, every holiday, every family gathering becomes another moment you weren’t there to experience.
Your grandparents grow older. Their health begins to decline. And somewhere in the back of their minds, they hold on to the hope that they’ll embrace their grandchild one more time.
But that day never comes.
They pass away still thinking about you, still wishing they could have seen you again.
And you’re left with the unbearable realization that you’ll never get those years back.
You’ll never hear their laughter in person again. You’ll never sit across from them and listen to their stories. You’ll never get that final embrace or the chance to say goodbye.

That is a kind of grief that immigration statistics will never capture.

And it doesn’t stop with our grandparents.
My nieces and nephews have been born and raised while I’ve been thousands of miles away. Children who should have grown up knowing their uncle, spending holidays together, laughing, making memories, and building relationships.
Instead, they’re becoming teenagers, and for some of them, the only memory they have of me is a photograph.
Think about that for a moment.
An entire generation of my own family is growing up without me, and I’m growing older without them.
We share the same blood, the same family history, and the same love, but we’ve been separated by circumstances that have stolen something none of us can ever recover.
Time.
And time is the one thing no immigration reform, citizenship approval, or political compromise can ever give back.
People talk about immigration as if it’s simply a debate about policies, borders, and legal status.
I understand that countries have laws. I understand that immigration is complicated and that people have different opinions about how those laws should be enforced.
But where is the compassion for the human beings caught in the middle?
Where is the understanding that behind every immigration case is an actual person with a family, a history, dreams, fears, and people they love?
We’re not statistics.
We’re not headlines.
We’re not political chess pieces to be moved around whenever it’s convenient.
We’re human beings whose lives have continued moving forward while our futures have remained uncertain.
I’ve been on DACA for 14 years.
Fourteen years.
That’s enough time for someone to graduate from college, establish a career, get married, raise children, and build an entire life.
Yet for people like me, those years have been spent living with the knowledge that our ability to remain in the only country we’ve ever called home is not guaranteed.
Imagine spending nearly your entire life somewhere, building everything you know around that place, only to be reminded that your belonging is conditional.
Imagine being told, directly or indirectly, that you’re still an outsider in the very country that shaped who you are.
I didn’t grow up dreaming about becoming American.
I grew up believing I already was.
Because America wasn’t some distant place I hoped to reach one day.
America was my childhood. My schools. My friendships. My memories. My struggles. My accomplishments. My home.
And that is what makes this experience so painful.
I don’t expect everyone to agree on immigration policy. I don’t expect the conversation to be simple, and I’m not asking anyone to disregard the law.
I’m asking people to recognize the humanity behind these stories.
To recognize that children who arrived decades ago are now adults in their thirties and forties, who have spent nearly their entire lives contributing to a country they love while waiting for some form of permanence.
To recognize that our parents made difficult decisions, sometimes imperfect decisions, because they believed they were giving their children a chance at something better.
And to recognize that the consequences of those decisions have followed us into adulthood, shaping relationships, opportunities, and entire lifetimes.
Who is thinking about us?
Who is thinking about the grandparents we never got to embrace again?
The funerals we couldn’t attend?
The nieces and nephews we’ve watched grow up through photographs and video calls?
The family milestones we’ve missed?
The years we’ve spent wondering whether we would ever be able to live without uncertainty hanging over our heads?
And who is thinking about the years we continue to lose?
Because while politicians debate our futures, life doesn’t stop.
Our parents are getting older. Our relatives are passing away. Children are growing up. Opportunities are disappearing. And we’re getting older, too.
One day, I might finally receive the legal recognition I’ve spent so much of my life hoping for.
But even if that day comes, there will be people I can never see again and moments I can never recover.
That’s the part that breaks my heart.
You can change someone’s immigration status. You cannot give them back the years they’ve lost.
I’m 32 years old. I’ve lived in America for 25 years. I’ve spent 14 years under DACA.
I have known no other home.
I am proud of the life I’ve built here, and I am grateful for the sacrifices my parents made to give me that opportunity.
But I am also tired of feeling as though my entire existence is an unresolved political question.
I am more than my immigration status.
I am someone’s son. Someone’s brother. Someone’s uncle. Someone’s grandson.
I am a person with ambitions, responsibilities, memories, and a future I want to build.
And like millions of others whose stories deserve to be heard, I am asking for something that shouldn’t be controversial:
Before you debate what should happen to us, remember what has already happened to us.
Remember the families. Remember the sacrifices. Remember the grief. Remember the years that can never be recovered.
And above all, remember our humanity.
Because we’re not asking to be treated as political chess pieces.
We’re asking to be seen as human beings.

Hi, I’m on course to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in Accounting in 2028, but with no status I haven’t been able to qualify for any internships at firms, so I won’t really have a secured job offer or any definitive path to follow by the time I graduate.

My girlfriend and I do long distance and she’s currently studying in California, and our current plan is to marry sometime before I graduate, she will move in with me in Texas (where I currently live), and we can begin filing for a marriage visa to hopefully allow me to put my degree to use within a year at best. However, given how hard the job market appears at the moment, I’m afraid that my lack of experience and internships is going to haunt me in the future when I can finally look for a position.

I’ve had a janitorial job at a family friend’s company for over 2 years now, and I do plan on staying here as long as I can, but I’m really wondering if after marriage, looking for a job in Texas is worth it or if I should move to California to pursue my Masters and CPA license (since I hear they provide undocumented students more financial aid there), to hopefully get more experience under my belt. Only problem I’d have with this is I have no connections there and don’t know how I’d find another stable job like the one I have now. Sorry for the long post, but if anyone has stories to share of what they did after graduation and how they handled it, I’d love to hear them. Thank you!

Edit: Forgot to mention I do not have DACA status, I was brought with a visa in 2011 at 5 years old but overstayed. If anyone also knows how this will affect filing for citizenship I’d appreciate any advice, thank you!

Hi everyone. I submitted my DACA renewal about 3 months ago and I’m still waiting. I contacted USCIS once, but I didn’t log the date or what was said, and I wish I had.

I want to start building a paper trail now so that if this drags on and I ever need to file a WOM. My questions:

1) What should I start collecting now?

2) Should I submit a case inquiry or contact my congressperson? Not necessarily to speed things up, but to create a record that I tried to resolve it.

3) If I call USCIS, how do I document it? There’s no email trail, so what do you write down? Do you ask for a rep name/ID and reference number? Do you follow up with a written inquiry so there’s proof?

Has anyone here been asked to resign because of a gap in work authorization instead of being offered temporary unpaid leave?
If you convinced HR to approve unpaid leave, how did you advocate for yourself? What resources or legal guidance helped?
I feel like HR hasn’t fully researched whether keeping me on leave, without working or receiving pay, while I wait for renewed authorization could be an option. I’d appreciate hearing what worked for others.

Hello my DACA people!

As many of you know there’s delays happening. I waited 219 DAYS! I do NOT wish that on anyone!

HOWEVER! we know the midterms are coming up!
Let’s encourage our family members to go out and VOTE. For those who can VOTE!

I wanna be very clear!
DO NOT VOTE REPUBLICAN. If you are a DACA RECIPIENT AND SHARE IDEAS WITH REPUBLICAN PARTY.

LET ME TELL YOU! They do not give a flying fuck about you. ( hence the DELAYS)

IT NEEDED TO BE SAID! NOW! Go out there and make sure THESE DELAYS DO NOT HAPPEN AGAIN!

If you have beef with what I said I INVITE YOU to question your beliefs. To dig deep why you hate your own people.

I wish NOTHING but the best for ALL my DACA people going through this. Nearly broke me. Let’s make sure this is the only time these delays happen.

Not all but there are a lot of bitter assholes and it feels like it's only going up.

I didn't know about this sub till I think March because I wanted to research about DACA and how long processing times. I'm very grateful for this sub because it's the sole reason that I found out about the delays and decided to apply 8-9 months early.

I want to acknowledge that the situation with the delays is absolutely unfair, unjust, and fucked up to the point where people are loosing jobs, their savings and even becoming homeless.

However, that does not give anyone the right to invalidate other people's problems.

This sub is getting increasingly hostile to people who post about how DACA delays or just being undocumented in this climate is impacting their

Work

School

Romantic life and more

I've experienced it first hand even though on my post where I'm struggling to focus on my work, one of the first few lines I acknowledged the privileged position I am in compared to others on this sub.

As a reminder, this sub might be the only place where other undocumented people can find community with members who can empathize with their situation and undocu struggles.

Just because you are going through a much more difficult situation doesn't give you a right to tell others now is not the right time and invalidate their problems bc yours are bigger.

Keep fucking scrolling on those posts or better yet stop checking this sub if you feel the need to say now is not the right time and whatever other bullshit variation.

Looking for some advice... My EAD expires on 11/7 and I'm in the middle of a job interview process. I’m trying to space out my interviews as much as I can so there’s more time to hear back on my DACA/EAD renewal. My next interview is 11/6, and if I pass that round, I’ll have one more after that.

Of course, i need to prepare for the worse. If my work permit doesn't come by then, and let's say I do get invited to proceed to the final interview round. Should I be tell the recruiter about my situation now? After interview? After work permit expires? Or don't even say anything until it get an offer?

Also, my current job apparently can't even put in on LOA so i guess if my work permit doesn't come i'll just be terminated. which is fine honestly. i'm burnt out anyway- hence looking for a new job. so i guess i'll take this as a sign that i need a break anyway. but i do want to at least still have a job lined up... cause tbh i'm not sure i'd wanna come back to my current job even if they hold my position. i mean, if that's the only opportunity i am guaranteed, then i'll take it. (side rant lol)

Man, this is tough lol. just looking for some advice. i know we are all going through hard times. i appreciate everyone's advice.

Edit: I submitted 5/18, bios 6/12, inquiry 10/5, expedite request 10/8, congress inquiry 10/22.

Hey guys, I live in Tennessee and currently waiting for my new DACA to be approved. I’ve been reading online that Tennessee has passed new laws and that DACA recipients will not be able to get a drivers license. Is there any truth to this? I feel like from what I’ve read I just need to bring my deferred action and work authorization paperwork and that I’ll be able to get it. Just wanting to know asap because my job relies on me having a drivers license and I need to know if I need to plan ahead and start looking for career changes that don’t involve a drivers license.

Is it a normal trend for lawyers to recommend petitioning using VAWA? He barely wanted to explain any other options and insisted I must be abused and says he found it hard to believe I had never experienced abuse before either from my spouse or work. It was a very condescending consultation for $100. He also mentioned it would help if I had a “r worded” child.

With the surges of 🧊 in CA, how safe is it to show up in our biometric appts? Anyone else have done their biometrics in person lately? Mine is after the midterm elections, though idk if that would me it better.

I filed for an expedite request on 9/28 on my case and I finally heard back today, it was denied. Has anyone else have got theirs declined? If so what did you do? Is it recommended to send another one? Or just keep waiting?
Filed 5/20, bio 6/11 exp 11/12

I’ve lost my job lost just about everything don’t know where to turn to or ago honestly lost just about all hope honestly . Ead expired oct.1 and bills still coming if any help would be wonderful my Venmo is (temihussle1) . I know everybody have things going on I honestly just don’t know where to turn to or ask for help .

Any February Approvals These Couple Of Days ?

2/13 Here Nothing Yet , Sitting At 258 Days 😏

Am I wrong for wanting my bf to come to Detroit to meet my father/family but he has nevered traveled state through many states via car considering how USA is right now and with immigrants. My dad told me he wants to know how serious he is basically.

Back story, we’ve been together for 5 years LDR and known total for 7 years. I live by the boarder in Canada and he is in Alabama. I was chicken to introduce him to my parents because they are strict and traditional. My catholic mom raised us mostly and been around more than my dad. I would considered my dad a bit more open but still traditional man. I would say I am more at fault for going to my mother about this or try to have her talk to him. So I assumed my father would be the same and never understood anything about DACA in which they still really don’t. I recently had a break through with my dad some weeks ago and admitted I was with him and he said as long as he wants the permission to want to talk to me and at some point meet me in Detroit like invite him to meet my bf he will consider how he is.
Today I asked my bf about the future plans on this because I wanted to see him this Christmas (been 2 years since I last saw him) but bc of budget since I got a new house I want to be sure he wanted me to be there like basically he also inviting me down for Christmas too. (Not saying if it’s worth spending the money to see him bc I obviously want to see him and his family. Like yes money is tight but I would still be willing to work extra to make it happen type of thing) Our plans was to get married. And mind you every time I ever travelled to see him I was hiding from my parents about it and the last time I did this did not go well. Especially with my mother so that left a bad taste. So basically it’s almost November the mid terms are almost here for USA and that’s when my bf and I wanted him to talk to my dad for the first time over face time or call about properly asking me to come visit him for Christmas etc etc. why we chose was because we thought it would be a better opportunity for travel within the state or so I thought.
but the conversation came up with the whole taking vacation time because it’s hard for me to take it if I don’t book it early and right now I’m in a tight spot and wanted to know his answer so I can ask the higher ups if it’s possible before they post the December schedule. Cause once it’s posted out the week I want I can’t have the vacation if it does get approve that is.
Anyways, we fought about unnecessary stuff and now we aren’t talking as of this moment. Because now I feel it would be a “waste” coming to see him if he said come or don’t come I don’t care if you don’t come because I asked about our plans for next year about the whole Detroit thing. He said I never said I would travel down there. I’m not risking my life because idk how each state is. Which is weird to me because he travelled up in Tennessee before for paperwork and stuff and his family went to Florida once upon a time… my plan prior to all this was the next meet up was we just married the court and get the process going and do the actual wedding in Canada but ever since my dad and I breakthrough I was holding on the hopes with the next time I see him would be the following because I thought he should meet my dad before doing all this and do it “properly”
I think me saying waste triggered him but my intention was to know it’s never a waste it was more knowing to feel secured and his intention of being with me if I am wasting my time or not. But did not come across that way. He basically came for the gut and still hold a grudge that my parents never wanted to see him or talk to him. It’s their fault that his friends he had never did this to him and always chill over the phone etc etc. I said that was the past bc I was basing off how my mom was and I assume my dad was the same. I told him after my dad and I talk break through we can move on now. My dad may not fully understanding Daca but was willing to see if he meets half way but obviously my bf don’t see it that way. And thinks he should drive 11 hours to see him. Which shocked me he made that statement. And then telling me this was my idea and plan not his. I am just appalled and upset about his comment I couldn’t even argue properly. What should I do? Am I not in the right or should I move on if I am making him miserable. I just don’t know what to do because I know we care so much for each other but obviously the start of this relationship was never smooth exactly in terms of my family from the beginning… any advice or thought? Opinion? 🥲🙏🏻

I'm
So
Mad

My sister is a citizen and she's being considered for a 911 operator position. However, they're requiring for her to submit our parents social security and tax information which they do not have. Does anyone have any experience on how to navigate this? We don't want to put our parents at risk so she's considering just taking her name off the table.

For those who have filed a WOM:
-How long did it take for your case to appear on PACER?
How long after service were you assigned an AUSA or government attorney?
-Did your DACA case start moving before an attorney was assigned?
-Is it normal for there to be a delay between the summons being delivered and the next update?
I’d really appreciate hearing about your experiences and timelines. Thank you!

For those of us potentially facing expiration, what has been the approach for updating IDs / Drivers Licenses?

Does this mean we can’t fly with ID anymore?

I (31) was asked by a hometown friend that I grew up with to be a groomsmen at wedding in Mexico, none of my hometown friends know that I have DACA.

It’s a sucky feeling not being able to go, it’s been such a long time that telling them know feels weird…

Thinking about saying “I have legal issues” and can’t go 🙃

How would yall approach this?

Daily Processing Update & Call to Action

Using daily MyCaseHub data since 08/18/2026, I ran trajectory models to project when case backlogs per month will hit zero.

• January: Almost completely clear!
• February: Closing in quickly.

Personally, I’m at Day 244. Waiting times for later months are expanding. Please don't just wait and hope—start taking action:

1. Contact your Congressional representatives.
2. Submit formal expedite requests and service inquiries.
3. Prepare to file a Writ of Mandamus (WOM) as soon as possible (USCIS has 60 days to respond once filed).

Allowing your case to sit past expiration risks losing DACA coverage and accruing unlawful presence (180+ days can lead to a 3-year ban; 365+ days triggers a 10-year ban). Stay on top of your case and exhaust every option!

Filed : 02/26/26
Bio : 04/22/26
Stuck in Texas
From Mexico
Living in Chicago

One API on both forms : 10/03
WOM: 10/08
not approved yet

Not a lawyer but please if you have resources please submit your WOM is you dont want to risk DACA or potential GC in the future

Projections Comparison Table

Data:

Hey everyone,

I've been dealing with delays on my DACA renewal and wanted to see if anyone has experienced something similar. I originally called USCIS to request an expedite and was told to upload supporting evidence to my account, which I did that same day. I called USCIS again today and found out that the previous representative never actually submitted the expedite request. The representative I spoke with today finally submitted it and gave me a service request number.

She also recommended that my next step should be to send a letter to my local USCIS office in Dallas requesting an update on my case.

I was wondering:

- Has anyone been told to send a letter to their local USCIS field office?

- If you did, did you actually receive a response or see any movement on your case?

- How long did it take USCIS to respond to your expedite request?

- Has anyone had success expediting a DACA renewal due to employment or financial hardship?

I'm trying to figure out whether contacting the Dallas office would actually help or if there are other steps I should consider.

Any experiences or advice would be appreciated. Thanks!

Thing's have been difficult for everyone in the last 2 years and each days keeps getting worse. How do you all feel about dating? Personally i was in a relationship for about 3 years this person knew about my status since day 1 at the end of the relationship things wgere bad and the mom got into my ex's head that i was just with her because i wanted papers even though we had talked in the beginning about, i didnt even wanted to get married at that time. Anyways the reason i bring that up is because after a while of being single i started dating some where serious and some where just for fun. The few that i took serious i had to sit with them and tell them the truth, because one thing about it is that i wouldn't want you to put your life on hold just to wait for me to have legal status soo you can do your traveling and all. After talking to my therapist made me realize that is a trauma i project everytime i get serious with someone where if things a going great and i see potential i get discouraged because i know i have to let that person know about my status and that if this is not for them I'd understand... i guess im just tired, i wish i could date without having that anxiety if they would be okay with me or not... it sucks but ohh well... i love to read different opinions about it...