Photo courtesy of Jaeden Esquibel Facebook
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for me after that. I am worried that if I go to law school I won’t be able to finish because without DACA I cannot work to afford that type of education. I am also worried that even if I am able to complete law school, my degree will be useless without a valid work permit. I want people who support me and others like me to educate themselves and take action, whether it be calling you congressmen and congresswomen and urging them to support a clean DREAM Act or attending rallies and other peaceful demonstrations.
What has DACA done for you, and why is it important for it to remain intact?
DACA allowed me to pursue higher education and brought a sense of safety and stability for my family and I. Because of DACA I was able to obtain a driver’s license, hold numerous jobs, participate in internships, and feel protected from deportation. But DACA was only temporary and I think that we need and deserve a permanent solution.
after the announcement because I have already received so much bad news in the last year. I always knew that DACA was just a form of temporary relief and that it did not fully protect me from much but all of my adult life I have had DACA. I was granted DACA when I was 16 years old, so I don’t personally know what it’s like to need or want a job and not be able to apply for one. Leading up to the announcement a big concern was how long I would be able to keep my DACA for because deep down I knew it would be rescinded some day, it was just a question of when. It feels like my future and life have been left in limbo. I am fortunate enough to have been able to renew my DACA for another two years but what my life will look like after those two years is unclear at this time.
What does your daily life look like (both in school and out) - what struggles do you face because of your status?
I think the biggest struggle that I face because of my status is financial need. Contrary to what many of those opposed to DACA think, undocumented students do not qualify for any type of state or federal financial aid, meaning that we are not taking anyone’s tax money. In some states there are separate private funds for DACA recipients or “Dreamers” and they are allowed to pay in-state tuition. However, my home state of Wisconsin is considered a “locked out” state meaning that undocumented students are charged tuition as if we were international students, despite the fact that many of us have resided in Wisconsin for most of our life. I have received small private scholarships but they are very limited, especially here in Wisconsin. Every semester I have to work one or two jobs in order to support myself and cover academic expenses.
What is something you would like to say to people that wish to appeal DACA?
I think it’s important to note that DACA was a temporary and unstable solution for undocumented youth and young adults in the United States. We need to focus and push for something permanent such as a clean DREAM Act that will provide a million
focus and push for something permanent such as a clean DREAM Act that will provide a million undocumented youth with the opportunity to apply for citizenship without further militarizing the border and criminalizing our families and communities. There are lives and families at stake and it is inhumane to continue to play with our futures, safety and mental health. There are 800,000 DACA recipients out there and the rescinding of DACA have taken a huge toll on us all. Personally, I have had to put my post-graduation plans of attending law school on hold. Although I will be protected by DACA for another two years and will have the ability to continue working, I do not know what the future holds
The Emerald | Fall 2017