DACA Has Allowed Me to Pursue Education, But We Need A Permanent Solution Now

My title is Hali Calzadillas-Andujo and I’m initially from Chihuahua, Mexico. I first got here to america with my mom and siblings once I was eight years outdated. I didn’t even know what it meant, actually, besides that I used to be rejoining my father. I got here to Santa Fe, New Mexico and have been right here ever since.

Rising up right here was tough. I noticed my dad and mom working laborious. I labored in jobs that have been bodily exhausting so as to assist my household. That’s what I believed my future was going to be. Neither of my dad and mom completed elementary college, and my siblings didn’t end highschool. I didn’t see myself ending highschool. I believed I used to be at all times going to be working these jobs and residing in uncertainty.

Once I was in highschool, I bear in mind the academics singling me out and treating me otherwise due to my standing. They didn’t trouble speaking to me about faculty or scholarships; I didn’t have any entry to that info.

Even when the federal government created the Deferred Motion for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) initiative in 2012, I didn’t suppose it was for me. I didn’t wish to get my hopes up. It appeared prefer it was a program for individuals who have been extra educated or had more cash than my household did.

I received DACA once I was 19 years outdated. My first job after I acquired the work allow was again at my highschool, tutoring different college students. I lastly began to see faculty as an actual chance, and that I deserved these issues. I felt like I had a spot right here and belonged.

The trail after DACA wasn’t all simple. I saved cash for 2 years to pay for tuition for school, as a result of although I ought to have been eligible for monetary assist, my college wouldn’t course of my utility as a result of my immigration standing. Ultimately I used to be in a position to get a level and better-paying jobs. I turned a Division of Justice-accredited consultant. Now I characterize different immigrants in functions to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Providers.

However DACA will be like a golden cage.

It has given me lots of alternatives. I went to school and am pursuing a grasp’s in training to enter college administration. I’ve travelled all through america—all issues I by no means thought I may do earlier than. However I can also’t depart. I haven’t seen my dad and mom in over three years since they moved again to Mexico.

After 9 years of DACA, we have to transfer ahead with a path to citizenship for myself and for the thousands and thousands of different immigrants like me residing in america.

FILED UNDER: Biden-Harris Administration, DREAM Act