It's time for Congress to protect Dreamers. Over 20,000 Dreamers have already lost their status, their jobs, and protection from deportation. On March 5th, 1400 additional DACA recipients, every business day, will lose their jobs and become a deportation priority. Congress urgently needs to take up a bipartisan bill to prevent Dreamers  — like me  — from being deported to countries we do not know.

Starting on Monday, February 12th, the Senate will start debate on legislation to address immigration. However, this effort will only be successful if our Senators actively reach out to get the 60 votes necessary to pass legislation to protect Dreamers.

86% of Americans want Congress to protect Dreamers now. Sign your name and tell Senator Whitehouse and Senator Reed that they must reach across the aisle to pass bipartisan legislation that permanently protects all Dreamers.

I immigrated to the United States at ten months of age in 1998 from Portugal, taking my first steps here, in America. Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) came about in 2012. As soon as I aged into the program, I applied and gave the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) my past addresses, my personal information, paid a $495 background fee and passed a background check. DACA enabled me to work for the family business, pay taxes, and study.

But because DACA has been terminated, I face possible detention and deportation to a country that I do not know. Sign and tell Congress they have to act now to protect DREAMers like me.