Chris McCrory

The Arizona Republic

PHOENIX — Dozens gathered in front of the U.S. Customs and Immigration Services Phoenix office Monday to fight to save the nation's program that prevents the deportation of many immigrants without legal status who were brought into the country as children.

Reports say President Trump may end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program — known as DACA — after a 6-month delay, giving Congress time to act to save the program. Trump is expected to make an official announcement Tuesday on the future of DACA.

More:As Trump weighs fate of DACA, 'dreamer' vows: 'We’re not going down without a fight'

DACA was enacted in 2012 by then-President Barack Obama and allows undocumented immigrants who immigrated to the U.S. to have "deferred action for a period of two years," according to the official DACA webpage. Those registered with the program would not be deported and could legally work in the U.S.

"We know that we are living these next few hours in uncertainty," said Petra Falcon, executive director of Promise Arizona. "That's what we're doing here, we're gathering with the community to pray."

'The work isn't done'

DACA does not provide lawful status to immigrants, and does not give them a path to citizenship. This shortfall is one that many activists hope to fix.

"Beyond tomorrow, we're going to continue to do what we're doing," Falcon said.

She said even if Trump continues the program, there is still progress to be made.

"The work isn't done," Falcon said. "It won't be done tonight and it won't be done tomorrow. It will continue for many many months, and I'm sure for many, many years until we get this right. Because the only solution is comprehensive immigration reform."

More:DACA fix could 'overwhelm' Congress that has failed to devise an immigration solution

The threatened end of DACA has rattled many of the "dreamers" who have received deferment under the program.

"Many of our young people are so (shaken) up by even the thought of a potential announcement that's going to happen tomorrow," said Tony Navarrete, the deputy director for Promise Arizona and a state legislator.

Now, he said, is the time for politicians to stand up for their constituents and support them.

"This is really an opportunity for not only the president, but all those around the president, for all of those leaders that are currently remaining silent," Navarrete said.

"This is an opportunity to demonstrate leadership, to stand with the over 800,000 families that will be impacted by a decision that will come as early as tomorrow."

There are about 28,000 DACA recipients in Arizona.

'My place is here'

Karina Ruiz, a DACA recipient who immigrated to the U.S. when she was 15, said the community vigil helped her mentally prepare for Tuesday's decision.

"I'm feeling confident, finally," she said. "I felt fear. I felt frustration and anger. This whole process has been really draining."

She and her family had been bracing themselves for potential end to DACA since Trump was sworn into office.

Opinion:'Dreamer': DACA changed everything for me. Removing it would be a mistake.

"We have been preparing ever since he got elected," said Ruiz. "We were expecting him the next day to come out and sign something, and it didnt happen. But we were ready. Then later on, there were rumors, and ... we've been ready like five times already."

The silver lining to the fear, she said, was discovering her community was there to support her.

"I came to realize I have a community behind me," Ruiz said. "And that makes me have confidence becase I'm not alone, and neither are all these other 800,000 dreamers. We are not alone."

Because dreamers had to register a home address and other personal information in order to qualify for DACA, those enrolled in the program fear U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement will use that information to deport entire families.

"Our families are terrified in this time," Ruiz said. "Immigration has our information. That is terrifying. They could come after us and get our families, too. It is terrifying."

More:Reports: Trump to end DACA, give Congress six months to act

Ruiz said she came to a realization when she visited Mexico recently to see her family after being absent for nearly two decades.

"I realized when I visited (Mexico) that I don't belong there anymore," she said. "I'm proud of my roots ... but It's been 18 years out of my 33 years here in the U.S."

Ruiz said she is an active member of the community and volunteers at the hospital and the church.

"My place is here," she said. "I have my family here, I have my job here, I have groups of support. I very much have a place already here in the Arizona community."

Follow Chris McCrory on Twitter: @ckm_news

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