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DACA recipients and those who didn't qualify await ruling on future of program

The future of hundreds of thousands of DACA recipients rests in the hands of a federal appeals court that is expected to rule soon, potentially ending the program all together.

It was created under the Obama administration after the DREAM Act failed and gave some undocumented people who were brought to the U.S. as children a work permit and protection from deportation. Some 800,000 young people were enrolled at the height of the program.

But many more never even had the option. And now, as they await the court decision that could change their lives in an instant, they are banding together to advocate — and reflect.

KJZZ's Alisa Reznick has been reporting on their stories in this pivotal moment for "Dreamers." The Show spoke with her to learn about their reactions to the program's pending fate.

Mario Montoya is one of the dreamers here in Arizona who’s waiting for this decision and worrying about his future.

Montoya is a recent grad. from Arizona State University and a DACA recipient. He works for immigrant advocacy group Aliento and said there’s no good way to prepare yourself for having your entire life upended.

The Show spoke with him to learn more about his story, and how he feels facing this moment.

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Lauren Gilger, host of KJZZ's The Show, is an award-winning journalist whose work has impacted communities large and small, exposing injustices and giving a voice to the voiceless and marginalized.