Undocumented immigrants and their supporters are rallying across the country to send a message to Washington lawmakers.
They are asking Congress to pass legislation to protect “Dreamers” following the Trump administration's decision to end the Obama-era DACA program.
Dozens gathered at Wooldridge Square Park in Austin to pressure lawmakers.
Monday was supposed to be the deadline for Congress to act on DACA, as picked by the Trump administration, but two federal judges have blocked that deadline, meaning for now “Dreamers” are safe.
But that is only temporary, because no legislation has passed.
KVUE spoke with Austin DACA recipient Valeria Serna, who not only fears she could lose her job, but also deportation.
"I came here when I was eight years old,” said Serna. “I remember the first time I stepped foot into U.S. soil. It was something so new to me. I felt so overwhelmed.”
It wasn't until high school when she says she realized what it meant to be undocumented.
"When you turn 16 years old, all of your friends are getting their driver’s license,” said Serna. “Everybody you know is getting their new cars. What am I doing at 16 years old? Hoping that immigration doesn't catch me."
DACA made it possible for her to drive and get a job to provide for her single mother.
Serna led Monday's DACA rally in Austin.
U.S. Senator John Cornyn cosponsored the Secure and Succeed Act to offer the estimated 1.8 million “Dreamers” a pathway to citizenship.
The measure also calls for a $25 billion fund for border security.
"What I'm interested in is solving the problem,” said Senator John Cornyn. “That means not only a proposal that can get 60 votes, but one that can pass the House and be signed into law by President Trump."
President Donald Trump tweeted Monday saying in part, "It's March 5th and the Democrats are nowhere to be found on DACA. Gave them 6 months, they just don't care."
No deal yet, while Serna waits in the months-long process for her DACA renewal.
"I've already been asked by my employer, 'Hey, where's your updated work permit?” said Serna. “I don't have the heart to tell them that, hey, this is taking forever. I don't have the heart to tell them I'm not going to be able to work."
Or worse, be deported.
"I lose my protection,” she said. “Not just my job, but my protection."
The Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit on the West Coast will likely be the first appeals court to weigh in on the topic before DACA is considered at the Supreme Court level.