Since the release of DACA in 2012, I’ve been able to free myself from the shadows and strive to become a functioning member in this abled body society. DACA granted me the opportunity to continue my education and graduate from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), as a Spanish Major and Mexican Studies minor with less financial worries and granted me access to some health care. Having DACA has granted me the opportunity to work and give back to my community . The Dream Act would mean that I have the opportunity to eventually become a citizen and give back to this county that I love.”

Paulina
#cleanDREAMact

I came to the U.S when I was 6 months from Mexico. I was raised in Los Angeles, California. I am majoring in Political Science at Hood College. After I graduate I want to give back to my community and help high school students reach their dreams of pursuing a higher education.  The DREAM Act would mean that I can live out my dreams to the fullest potential.

Itayu
#cleanDREAMact

My name is Roque G. Pech and I am a current DACA beneficiary. The United States of America is the only home I have known since the age of three. I love this country because it gave me an opportunity to pursue my dreams of obtaining a college education and professional career.

I owe all credit for my success to my parents, the original dreamers, who taught me several American values such as hard work, determination, & the desire to make my community a better place.

Now that DACA is facing a potential end, I invite you to get to know our immigrant community. We have more in common that we may think. Let’s make America greater! Get to know me and the rest of the Dreamers. I urge Congress to pass the Dream Act now.

Roque
#cleanDREAMact
#HereToStay

“I came to the United States from Guatemala when I was 9 years old, but I didn’t find out I was undocumented until I was 17 and ready to go to college. With a 4.0 in hand, I was preparing to apply to California’s top schools but as I was going through the process, I found out that I didn’t have a social security number. It hit me like a bat to realize that even if I graduated from college, I couldn’t work as a professional.

“I took a leap of faith and went to college anyway. Often I would wonder if going to college was the right decision but I knew that I loved learning and I loved going to school. When I found out about DACA, I was so happy to be able to do the little things, like check out books from the local library with my new ID. Knowing that the administration somehow understood my situation even though they didn’t know me personally was an incredible feeling. Today, I have a Master’s degree in Nonprofit Leadership and Management from the University of Southern California.

“I’m very proud of the work that I do as the Statewide Youth Organizer for CHIRLA’s California Dream Network. I get to train other young people to rise up as organizers and to be a voice for immigrants and young people who are undocumented. I want undocumented young immigrants everywhere to know that I am here for them and that they are not alone. We’ve come so far and this is not the time to go back into the shadows. I urge Congress to do their job and pass the Dream Act now.”

Melody
#cleanDREAMact