Twelve years have passed since the inception of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, marking a pivotal lifeline for many, including myself. I vividly remember the day of the announcement, a moment framed by my participation in a protest advocating for undocumented communities’ rights.
Like countless others, I arrived in the United States as a child with my family. My awareness of my undocumented status dawned early, at age 8, when attempting to apply for a dance scholarship—a dream cut short by bureaucratic realities.
President Obama’s efforts to expand DACA to include parents of eligible children were met with legal challenges, narrowing the program’s reach. While I qualified, my brother did not, underscoring the program’s selective nature.
Initially hesitant due to uncertainty and the safety concerns for my family, I eventually applied after witnessing positive outcomes among peers. The documentation process highlighted my deep integration into American life—school records, tax filings, and even prior immigration petitions underscored my longstanding ties.
Throughout my journey, I navigated consultations and legal complexities, seeking pathways beyond DACA. Moving to Washington, D.C., after securing DACA status marked a personal milestone—a transition to independence long delayed by legal limbo.
Renewing DACA brought temporary relief, but its periodic uncertainties mirrored broader legal battles. As litigation intensified, I pursued adjustment of status, fortunate to benefit from specific legal provisions that shielded me from some challenges faced by peers.
The seesaw of DACA’s fate underscored its impermanence—a deferment rather than a guarantee against deportation. Amid administrative shifts, anxiety over renewal delays loomed large, casting a shadow over hard-earned stability.
Having recently obtained U.S. citizenship, my advocacy for immigration reform remains steadfast. I recognize DACA’s limitations and the urgent need for permanent protections for its recipients—integral members of our communities who deserve security and recognition.
As I prepare to cast my first vote as a naturalized citizen, immigration reform remains central—a commitment forged by personal experience and professional dedication in the field.
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