AUSTIN, Texas -- Democratic state lawmakers have again called for Congress to find a permanent legislative fix for DACA recipients.

"These are real people and hard working people. That, as far as I'm concerned, are as American as I am," said Rep. Eddie Rodriguez (D-Austin).  

The program was initially set to expire March 5, but a federal judge blocked its expiration until legal challenges play out in court. The Trump administration has since appealed that ruling to the Supreme Court.

DACA recipients like Liam Garcia said they're living in a world of uncertainty.

"I'm basically taking the next ten months until October almost like I've been given 10 months to live," Garcia said.  

That's when Garcia's status expires unless Congress acts -- a feeling of limbo shared with the 120,000 other DACA recipients in Texas.

Thursday, Garcia joined Democratic state lawmakers, calling on Congress to find a permanent legislative solution. 

"We have to get something done," Garcia said. 

Deporting DACA recipients could also place a drain on Texas' economy. 

According to the left-leaning Center for American progress, the state would lose more than $6 billion annually, and more than 108,000 workers. 

The call comes after lawmakers appeared close to reaching a bipartisan immigration deal last week, but negotiations over DACA came to a standstill after President Trump's vulgar remarks over African nations. 

"It is clear that there is not the political will or the intention of this administration to protect DREAMers," said Faye Kolly, Advocacy Coordinator for the American Immigration Lawyers Association.  

And for DACA recipients like Garcia, a future that hangs in the balance.

"I don't know what is gonna happen," Garcia said. 

Yet hope that a solution might be around the corner.

"Because it is ultimately for the benefit of the country," Garcia said. "For the benefit of our communities, for the benefit of our economy."