DACA recipients are children who were brought to the United States through no fault of their own. Under President Obama, these children were protected by DACA if they came to the US as a child, stayed out of trouble, worked hard and graduated high school (many of which went onto college) or joined the military.
These children were allowed to go to school, drive and be contributing members of American society. This program allowed recipients, who in all respects but on paper, live their lives as Americans.
With the election of Trump, these Americans will lose protection from deportation and will be forced back into the shadows.
If President Obama offers an unconditional pardon, many of these Americans will be able to use existing methods of adjusting their status.