Home is Here

Protestor in front of the Supreme Court at Defend DACA rally. Nov. 12, 2019.

Throughout the pandemic, DACA recipients, including myself, were constantly experiencing anxiety over the U.S. Supreme Court and whether or not they would decide to rescind the program that granted us work authorization and protection from being deported. On Thursday June 18th, I woke up to emails, text messages and direct messages from my friends and professors congratulating me and telling me the news that the Supreme Court voted against ending the program.

Growing up, I was conditioned to feel ashamed of my immigration status. I felt limited living in the U.S., but that insecurity was lessened with DACA. Being a DACA recipient meant I held certain privileges that other undocumented immigrants did not. I was able to work over the table and pay taxes, I didn’t fear being separated from my family through deportation, and opportunities were more accessible to me. DACA made surviving in the U.S. easier and it made prospering a possibility.

The monarch butterfly is used as a symbol for the undocumented immigrant community because of its migration to the U.S.

We Are American! DACA recipients grew up in the U.S. and yet many refuse to acknowledge us as Americans.

I am at the November 12th, 2019, Defend DACA rally in front of the Supreme Court of The United States. Immigrants and allies make their voices heard while the Supreme Court hears testimonies in defense for the DACA program.

I had so many emotions when reading the headlines. I felt disbelief, ecstasy, caution, and excitement, but most importantly, I felt hopeful. This victory meant hope for the future. I along with other Dreamers were left in limbo for what seemed like an eternity. We did not know whether or not we would remain in the home we made here. Immediately I messaged my fellow Dreamers about the news. This moment was so powerful to me, as I realized my friends and colleagues were truly my allies in the corner supporting me and wishing for my success in this country. Home is here and my allies made that very clear to me today. 

The Supreme Court’s decision was indeed a victory, however, it does not mean our fight to remain is over. Dreamers, regardless of our benefits and protection, are still a part of the undocumented community and we must continue to fight together for all the undocumented immigrants who are not protected under DACA.