Marsha Cohen is a first-generation American who feels strongly about President Donald Trump’s decision to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program.

“My family immigrated here from Russia,” she said. “After and during the second World War, the United States only allowed a certain number of Jewish families into this country. People died because of that decision. These kids belong here. This life is all they’ve ever known.”

Cohen was one of more than 50 people at a Defend DACA rally on Saturday afternoon at the intersection of South Camino del Rio and Santa Rita Drive.

The rally, organized by the Durango Peace and Justice Coalition, attracted supporters young and old.

Ending DACA could potentially cause about 800,000 young undocumented immigrants to lose protection from deportation.

DACA recipients have been able to obtain valid driver’s licenses, enroll in college and legally secure jobs. The status does not give them a path to obtain U.S. citizenship.

Dan Prahl said he doesn’t know anyone directly affected by the move to rescind DACA, but he stands in support of all Americans.

“I support everyone’s right to exist despite political borders and affiliations,” he said. “I knew that I would meet good people here. I hope we can show people on the highway that there are others who support everyone that lives in this country, despite where they were born and what papers they have attached to their names.”

mrupani@durangoherald.com