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On June 15th, 2021, DACA recipients and allies gathered in protest, calling for the United States government to take permanent action regarding the legal status of undocumented immigrants. DACA, or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, offers eligible students an opportunity to legally work and attend school without the threat of deportation for two year increments. This program has proven vital for many immigrant families, yet it has been highly inaccessible due to the cost of application, legal fee requirements, and strict qualifications. For instance, to apply for DACA, an individual must pay a mandatory $465 application fee, be in school or have a high school diploma, and find a USCIS-qualified lawyer to represent their case. If an application is lost in the mail, late, or if a person does not meet the many requirements, they cannot simply reapply for DACA status. Furthermore, as of 2018, the Trump administration phased out DACA meaning that new applicants can no longer be considered for the program. Those who have jumped through many hoops over the past nine years to obtain and maintain their DACA status have still been barred from many rights which are afforded to citizens. DACA members cannot vote, obtain driver’s licenses in certain states, serve in the armed forces, participate on a jury, or access federal financial aid. Though DACA has helped many families in the past by granting two year periods of protection from deportation to those who meet certain standards, families now require more permanent solutions. There is currently no direct access to citizenship for the 800,000 individuals on DACA, leaving these individuals and their loved ones to worry about issues such as job security, legal status, and access to education. However, President Biden has proposed the establishment of the DREAM act, which would create a pathway to citizenship for all DACA recipients. It is time for the American government to create long-term legislation regarding the lives of almost a million undocumented immigrants whose lives and livelihood depend on their ability to remain in the United States. Call or email your congressperson and share your support online or with those you know; your voice is your vote!