Uncertainty for DACA recipients as deadline approaches

MINNEAPOLIS (KMSP) - The deadline for Congress to find a solution for recipients of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals or DACA is just a month away, and concern is growing among those affected.

President Donald Trump imposed a deadline of March 5, and his Chief of Staff, John Kelly, said President Trump is not likely to extend it.

DACA provides protections for people brought to the country illegally as children.

“Trying to figure out how to continue living your life, while other people are playing with it, is frustrating,” said Briana, a University of Minnesota student and DACA Recipient, who asked that we not provide her full name.

She said she was grateful for leaders like University of Minnesota President Eric Kaler, who issued a statement expressing concern and support for DACA faculty, students and staff.

“Along with other Minnesota civic and business leaders and most higher education leaders, we at the U have been urging Congressional leaders for months to adopt bipartisan legislation to solve the DACA impasse,” Kaler said in part. “Again, I stand with our Dreamers, and our University will do all we can to ensure their safety and wellbeing.”

The City of Minneapolis also taking steps to help DACA recipients and other immigrants. The council's executive committee moving forward a plan to add a director of immigrant and refugee affairs to city government.

“At this time and age, this is absolutely critical to our city,” said Mayor Jacob Frey. “Minneapolis has long been a city that is welcoming for immigrants and new Americans and we want to make sure that tradition continues.”

According to a staff document outlining a description of the position, it’s intended to help immigrants navigate the process to stay in the country and possibly serve as a point person for an eventual plan to provide municipal identification cards to city residents. No specifics about that plan have been developed. The full City Council is expected to consider that new position at its meeting on Friday.