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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
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
Thought is the wind, knowledge the sail, and mankind the vessel.
- Augustus Hare