As the United States prepares for the transition to a new administration under President-elect Donald Trump, concerns are mounting within immigrant communities about potential changes to immigration policies.
Speaking to NepYork.com, New York City-based immigration attorney Ramesh Shrestha expressed cautious optimism about the future of Dreamers—young immigrants brought to the U.S. as children under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.
“As we anticipate that the incoming administration is going to be tough on illegal immigrants, there is some hope that the new administration will treat this group of immigrants humanely and find a middle way to solve their immigration problems for good,” said Shrestha.
While President-elect Trump has previously called for the termination of DACA, Shrestha highlighted Trump’s repeated public statements showing reluctance to deport Dreamers. “Although he wanted to eradicate DACA, President-elect Trump has publicly said several times that he was reluctant to deport those who came to America when they were very young.”
Dreamers, often described as high-achieving and law-abiding individuals, have become a focal point in the immigration debate. Shrestha emphasized their significant contributions to the U.S. economy and society, calling them “true Americans except for their legal status in the U.S.” “The majority of Dreamers are well-educated and law-abiding residents. In my opinion, legalizing Dreamers will be a win-win situation for all,” Shrestha added.
Introduced by President Barack Obama in 2012, the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program provides temporary relief from deportation and work authorization to undocumented immigrants brought to the U.S. as children—often referred to as “Dreamers.”
Legal battles have shaped the program’s trajectory. Courts blocked both Donald Trump’s attempt to terminate DACA and President Joe Biden’s efforts to expand it. While these rulings allowed current DACA recipients to maintain their status, new applications have been halted, leaving many in limbo.
Immigrant rights activists have long urged Congress to provide permanent protections for DACA recipients. While both Democrats and Republicans have expressed sympathy for undocumented children, bipartisan efforts to resolve their status have repeatedly failed.
“It is reasonable to hope for bipartisan cooperation on immigration reform, particularly regarding DACA recipients, as this issue has historically garnered some level of bipartisan support. However, the political landscape in 2025 will depend on multiple factors, including the composition of Congress, public opinion, and the priorities of the administration,” said Keshab Raj Seadie, a New York City-based immigration attorney.
“For the approximately 40 Nepali DACA recipients, their future under DACA will be tied to broader immigration negotiations. Advocacy efforts and legal challenges continue to play a significant role in preserving and potentially expanding protections for DACA recipients. While DACA status does not provide a pathway to permanent residency or citizenship, any legislative bargain on immigration reform could address this. The situation will likely remain dynamic, and it will be important to monitor developments as they unfold,” Seadie added.
As Trump prepares to take office, thousands of Dreamers await clarity on their futures, caught between hope and uncertainty.
Kishor Panthi
View More PostsKishor Panthi is the founder and editor-in-chief of Khasokhas and NepYork. He is the author of three books, “Kampan,” "UNTRANSLATABLE" and “Zero Mile.” He writes about social issues, immigration, and politics.
