In seeking legislation to make DACA permanent, Dreamers around the country have been telling their stories to shed light on what DACA has meant to their lives—and what it would mean to lose it.
Who would have believed that a student like me, an immigrant, who was forced to learn a new language . . . would ever have a shot at becoming a doctor?
Chava
It has been very difficult to digest all this news in such a short time. I feel heartbroken because many of us think that this could be the last time.
Maylin
Mexico is not my home. It's where I lived for a couple of years, but my home is America.
Sergio
I do not qualify for unemployment because I am on DACA, even though I pay taxes like everyone else.
Kimberly
I always try to do things in such a way that if the current reality does a 180, I’m ready to tackle what happens.
Tomás
I think my daughter understands the sacrifice I’m making is for both of us.
Betzabeth
I’m doing the things I’m doing now with the community because it’s my way of saying thank you.
Mary
I'm still going to do my best every day and try not to let the whole idea of having an unpredictable future try to distract me.
Argeo
DACA has been a lifeline for me and hundreds and thousands of other hard-working young people.
Hina
It’s imperative that the Supreme Court take account of conditions that did not exist back in November.
Aldo
DACA let me become a doctor. And it’s letting me treat and care for patients that are facing this deathly pandemic right now.
Manuel
Eric
Jaime
I believe undocumented students have been able to surpass a lot of challenges; that makes them good workers.
Martha
Andrea
I would not be myself if I didn’t stand up for what I believe in. Even if it meant my future, I prefer to have spoken out for my community than to not have.
Arlin
That’s how I paid for my masters. I saved up at least the first year, then I continued working three jobs during my master’s.
Carlos
Our goal is hopefully to inspire others to speak up and no longer feel like they have to be in the shadows.
Arisaid and Anahi
It feels like we have reverted to day one where you have DACA, but at any moment, the government can take that away from you, treat you like you’re undocumente…
Gloria, Veronica, and Berenice
It’s important to realize undocumented students are in the classrooms with you, next to you.