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Central Coast Dreamers worry about their future ahead of SCOTUS Tuesday hearing on DACA

SCOTUS DACA LOCAL REAX

SANTA MARIA, Calif. -- The Supreme Court is weighing in on Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals --or DACA-- on Tuesday. President Donald Trump has been trying to phase out the program for more than two years, but those efforts were blocked by lower courts.

SCOTUS will decide on whether President Trump has the authority to end the Obama-era program.

Central Coast Dreamers like Rogelio Ordonez are worried about their future in the U.S.

“I have a photography and videography business," he said. "I'm also a math teacher at Pioneer Valley High."

The Venezuelan immigrant says his family left their home country 15 years ago.

Like him, other Dreamers on the Central Coast have been able to work legally in the U.S under DACA.

“I work at a front desk at a hotel that I've been promoted to manager now," said Jessica, a San Luis Obispo Dreamer who asked us not to use her last name.

Jessica is a new mom to a baby born in the U.S.

“I've been here since I was 3 years-old. I grew up on the Central Coast my entire life. This is all I know.”

Jessica and Ordonez worry a Supreme Court decision could turn their lives upside down.

“I'm not gonna be able to work as a teacher anymore," said Ordonez.

“We'll just have to go back in the shadows," said Jessica.

President Donald Trump tried cancelling the controversial policy back in 2017.

“DACA is a very touchy subject and in my opinion, it was an unconstitutional move by President Obama," said Genaro Pedroarias of the Republican National Hispanic Assembly.

Pedroarias believes the issue should be solved by Congress, and not by the courts.

“It is a national security issue, especially for Republicans," said Robert Sinners, of D.C Young Republicans.

Last month, Mr. Trump urged SCOTUS to “do what is right, and do not let DACA stand".

Attorney General Xavier Becerra says California will lead arguments before the Supreme Court in defense of DACA.

Becerra says 1 in 4 dreamers in the country live in California.

A decision is expected next spring.

Article Topic Follows: News
immigration
SANTA MARIA

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Nathalie Vera

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