Since COVID-19 first started appearing in the United States in early 2020, the United States economy has taken a big impact. From small businesses revenue going down by 20 % to an increase in layoffs and shutdowns. But there has also been an increase in the demand for employees, with the workers now lacking the drive to work in this economy it has left many open positions.
For immigrants such as dreamers who have been granted permission to work in the United States, this means more chances to get a job in this economy. The need for essential workers has become very critical during the pandemic and still continues to be an important necessity in order to improve the economy after a global pandemic. DACA recipients, like all Americans, are facing new challenges such as sheltering in place, working from home, maintaining social distance from neighbors, and keeping their children occupied during school closures that are expected to last until the end of the current academic year in some districts. Like many other Americans, DACA recipients are striving to contain the epidemic and provide essential goods and services to keep the country running.
Dreamers as essential workers have been a driving force helping to up the economy during the shutdown and layoffs that occurred as a result of the pandemic. Essential workers include teachers, nurses, doctors, as well as cashiers, janitors, bank tellers, and a large variety of essential workers whose daily jobs keep the American economy working and striving. Knowing how critical these essential workers are; seeing such a downfall in employment because many U.S citizens don't want to keep up these frontline jobs, many immigrants and Dreamers are taking it upon themselves to work these needed jobs. We need to take this time to re-evaluate what DACA beneficiaries are doing for this country, adding that rather than repealing DACA, the administration should be looking for ways to create a pathway to citizenship for Dreamers and other undocumented immigrants.
For Dreamers, their pursuit of getting an education is what has led them to the United States and with limitations and extra regulations being introduced because of the pandemic, many Daca recipients are being pushed into jobs they are overqualified for because of the lack of necessary workers. Although the DACA program was reinstated by the US Supreme Court earlier this year, lasting protections to citizenship for unauthorized immigrants remain unknown.
The pandemic continues to affect dreamers and essential workers, either in both positive and negative light since it does leave more opportunities for jobs but those with higher education such as the dreamers it leaves them without job options that target their careers.
To any seeking help in locating resources, Mil Mujeres offers services to low-income Latinos wishing to receive legal assistance with immigration issues. Mil Mujeres offers community outreach to assist immigrants about their legal rights and the resources available in their communities. For DACA recipients especially Mil Mujeres offers initial and renewal of the application. With DACA, those individuals are also eligible for a work authorization. DACA offers employment status and higher wages for the eligible immigrants.