1. How has DACA helped you?

DACA has helped me in the form of employment, living freely, and seeing my family. DACA has also allowed me to work, which helped me bring income for both me and my family. DACA has also given me the opportunity to leave the shadows and go out and give back to my community; it allowed to join the fire department to volunteer. Despite all of these great opportunities the biggest help it has given me is to reunite with my family; I was unable to see my dad because of a checkpoint and DACA helped me to see my father after many years.

2. What is the Real Dream for you?

The Real Dream for me is to live and be accepted by the country that I have grown up in. My dream is to have completed my dreams or at least to know that I tried at my own expense without my life being in someone else’s hands. I dream of a day that my whole family will be together and joyful. I want a future in which my family and myself live a day like anyone else, without facing fear of losing each other and actually enjoying each others company.

3. Why is it a bad idea for Congress to increase border militarization in exchange for the safety of your support system, family, friends and community members?

It’s an absurd idea to think that congress would want to trade our family, friends, and community members for increased border militarization. Congress is not thinking of the damage it is doing to the 15 million people who call the border region home. Militarizing the border just calls for more families divided and broken, we need less chaos and more organization--enough with dividing the place we call home.  

4. What are some of the difficulties you face as a Dreamer living in the Southern Border Region?

As a Dreamer living in the southern border region, I face the fear of even looking at border patrol just because I understand the degree of their power and what they can do to my family as far as dividing it.  My interaction with Border Patrol has been minimum because I was raised to evade their sight; however, the checkpoint was the reason for which i was unable to see my dad for eight years. Anyone that lives within 50 miles of the border knows that we are in a constant fear because we all have family that is in danger and we never know when the last day we see them might be.

5. Why are Dreamers important to the fabric of this country?

Dreamers are important to the fabric of this country because just like anyone else we want the best for our country. Just like myself we all give it our all day by day and are constantly trying to improve the life of not only ourselves but those around us. Dreamers have the ability to do great things and give back to the community. We can be politicians, fireman, nurses and doctors. DACA proved how much we can give to this country even when it comes with a small window; if we are given the opportunity to give it our all without fear we can accomplish great things.