One year ago today, the Trump Administration announced its decision to terminate the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, jeopardizing the lives and livelihoods of 800,000 hardworking young people.

Multiple federal judges have determined that the action was unlawful, and since then advocates have repeatedly (and successfully) defended DACA against constitutional challenges. One year later, eligible DACA recipients can renew their protections thanks to the incredible efforts of people across the country. However, Dreamers’ lives remain in limbo as they wait for the permanent legislative solution that only Congress can provide.

FWD.us is proud to employ Dreamers who fight every day for commonsense reforms to our immigration and criminal justice systems, advocating not only for themselves, but millions of other Americans. On the one year anniversary of the Trump Administration’s devastating decision, we continue to draw our inspiration from the work of our colleagues and friends, and what DACA has meant for their lives:

“It is difficult to believe that it has been one year since the termination of DACA. I was heartbroken on September 5, 2017. It has been challenging, and at times scary, to wait for Congress to pass a legislative solution. But this year has also been inspiring; I’ve seen people across the country, across faiths, and across political parties stand up for Dreamers. I hope soon, that those efforts will turn into action and that Dreamers, like myself, will know the security that only legislation can afford.” —Daniela Chomba, DC Office Manager and People & Operations Associate

“My future is as uncertain today as it was one year ago when the Trump Administration made the decision to terminate DACA. For 800,000 people like me, DACA has been our lifeline – it’s what allows us to work, make rent, pay back student loans, drive and participate in other mundane aspects of everyday life in the only country we know as home. I’ve loved the United States for 22 years but will go to bed tonight wondering, yet again, why my future in this country continues to be so unclear.” —Leezia Dhalla, Press Manager

“This year has been a clear reminder of the constant state of vulnerability of my life here. I graduated from college this past May and, with DACA, have been able to put my degree to use. Going through the renewal process with DACA in limbo meant trying to build a future among uncertainty and instability. I was fortunate enough to find a solid job and am finally at a point in my life where I have the means to provide for myself, my family and my community. Having DACA has allowed me to grow and pursue my professional goals but it’s not a long-term solution.” —Luis Espino, Tech Associate

“The past year has been a roller coaster of emotions – from court injunctions to failed congressional attempts, my future still remains full of uncertainty. While I celebrate that DACA recipients can still renew a year later, and feel privileged to have been able to renew my DACA, I hold my new expiration date close. If Congress fails to ask, what will my future look like?” —Maria Praeli, Government Relations Manager

“I am grateful that DACA has survived such a tumultuous year, yet the weight of not knowing the future of the program is overwhelming. I can’t plan my next month or my next year. Without DACA I won’t be able to support my brother, who depends on me to pay for his college expenses. There is simply no security. I am all too aware of the expiration date on my DACA authorization, a date that is feared by each Dreamer. I hope that Congress steps up, takes action, and passes protections for Dreamers like me who want desperately to give back to our communities.” —Pamela Chomba, Director of State Immigration Campaigns