Dreamers in Jeopardy

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One of the women came to the United States on her own when she was 15; others came as children, brought to this country by their parents. They are known as Dreamers, so-called because they meet the requirements of the Dream Act, which was established to help immigrants taken to this country illegally as children. They have grown up thinking of America as home, but all are concerned about their future following the election of Donald J. Trump as president.

In 2012 the Obama administration’s Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals policy gave young immigrants of their status the ability to get driver’s licenses, work legally, and attend college. President-elect Trump said on the campaign trail that he would overturn all of President Obama’s executive actions, and deport all people in the country illegally.

The five women interviewed here all know that Trinity Washington University and TheDream.US scholarship fund will continue to support them. They share their thoughts as they wait to see what the new administration will do.

Julia Schmalz is a senior multimedia producer. She tells stories with photos, audio, and video. Follow her on Twitter @jschmalz09, or email her at julia.schmalz@chronicle.com