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Have you seen the news? There is so much uncertainty about the future of DACA and the thousands of Dreamers in this country.

I’m not trying to freak you out (you can do that all by yourself if you spend enough time on the internet hehe), I just don’t want my people struggling and anxious even more than they already are!

One day a judge says one thing and the next, the President or some Congressmen say another. The fact of the matter is, you need a financial backup plan, even if it’s for the immediate short term.

On my previous post, I wrote about how Dreamers can prepare their finances in case they lose DACA.

I even got some feedback from someone telling me to F*** off, as if I was at fault for highlighting the reality of the current immigration issue.

The truth is, Dreamers, need back up money and here’s why.

The Government is slow

The deadline for DACA expires in March, but your DACA might have already expired or is about to expire.

The government likes to debate about these issues thoroughly and deals have to be made until each party line gets something they like from whatever bill or resolution they create.

Meanwhile, they’re not really worried about the date on your work permit. While they debate you might be at risk of being fired or losing legal status.

With the current situation, a savings account of one to three months might help you ride this wave.

I know that’s an easy thing to say and write on a blog post, and to those who have already lost their jobs, I cannot be praying any harder for an immediate solution. But if you have enough time to build large savings account you should sell whatever you need to sell and start playing the waiting game.

As a middle school teacher, I feel inclined to include a video about how a bill becomes a law:



Not safe until citizenship

If DACA gets completely reinstated, dreamers aren’t guaranteed a path towards citizenship unless it is included in the bill.

Begin saving for long wait times. Again, not trying to be negative, just realistic about the possible consequences.

I’m a “let’s cross that bridge when we get there” kind of person, so I can understand some of your frustrations.

For all we know, this whole back and forth between a judge blocking Trump’s decision to end DACA and the President declining a deal for Dreamers can play out for months.

You cannot count on your paycheck being safe either.

Citizenship costs money

Let’s hope a bill is passed and allows all Dreamers under DACA, and those waiting to apply, for a path towards citizenship!

However, citizenship is going to cost you money, how much?

Well, that depends on your situation. For me, It has been about $7,000 so far.

Here’s a rough estimate of how much it might cost you.

Dreamers need to have back up money. DACA or the prospect of a DREAM ACT will not make applying for citizenship any cheaper.

As a matter of fact, I don’t think the government or any taxpayer expects to front the lawyer expenses and processing fees.

Additional non-legal emergencies

Keep in mind that all the previously mentioned reasons you need back up money are all related to legal emergencies.

Yet, you have to also consider non-legal emergencies, like in the case of you getting sick, laid off, or injured for the short term, God-forbid!

Hopefully, you have the necessary insurance; create an additional emergency fund that will cover additional living expenses and take care of the bills.

Find out your monthly expenses Set up your goal to reach three to six months of expenses in savings Begin budgeting to separate your necessities from non-essential expenses

Most of all, stay hopeful and do not do anything drastic! Don’t lose faith, there is plenty of fight left in Dreamers.