Washington, DC – TheDream.US, the nation’s largest college access and success program for undocumented immigrant youth, is continuing its “DREAMer of the Day” feature – a daily profile of a TheDream.US-affiliated Scholar whose story offers a powerful example why Congress passing legislation resolving the crisis facing DREAMers and TPS holders will be good for America.

The Scholars’ stories are especially powerful and poignant as we have passed the March 5^th deadline for legislative action that President Trump gave Congress when he announced the end of DACA. The continued inaction and uncertainty is affecting Scholars’ lives, health, and futures and threatens to keep Scholars from fulfilling their incredible potential.

America, my parents would tell me when I was little, is a place of hope, a place where I could achieve my dreams and be whatever I wanted to be. Their dream for our family was behind the decision to come here from Mexico when I was just 10 months old. Parents, no matter their backgrounds and specific stories, always want the best for their children.

It is from my parents that I learned the value of hard work. Both of them are paid minimal salaries and work 2-3 jobs. They often come home exhausted, but, before the sun is up, they are back at it again, working to provide for us. There have been nights where we all split one meal, and I am reminded of my parents’ great sacrifices to lift our family out of Mexico.

In school, I often felt “bad different” for being undocumented. But I eventually forged friendships that have lasted and gave me faith that I could overcome the unfounded criticism of others.

In high school, I was part of the math club, and volunteered with various community organizations. I found out about The Dream.US during a college fair at my school, and my immigration lawyer gave me more information. Thanks to DACA and TheDream.US, I am able to attend college and see my dreams, and those of my parents, come to fruition.

America, while a land of opportunity, is also a place of exclusion at times. Like any place, it’s not perfect. But this is my home now, and I love it in spite of its imperfections.

I would love for other DREAMers to know that they are strong, and worthy of an education. But they must stay the course and keep hope, because the journey will seldom be easy. I have deep gratitude for the opportunities that have been afforded me through DACA and TheDream.US. I will use them to contribute to America, my home.

TheDream.US, which has provided more than 3,000 scholarships to students with DACA and TPS at more than 75 partner colleges in 15 states and Washington, DC, believes that all young people, regardless of where they were born, should have the opportunity to fulfill their potential, gain an education, and fully participate in the country that they call home. To date, the organization has committed more than $103 million in scholarship money for DREAMers.

Despite several court-ordered injunctions keeping DACA renewal applications in place for the time being, TheDream.US strongly supports Congress passing legislation permanently resolving DREAMers’ status.

###