Dreamers Tell Their Stories

Background: In 2008, five undocumented young people launched the website DreamACTivist.org to share stories about what it meant to live in a country that considered them “illegal.” Eventually, it became the largest networking site for undocumented young people in the country to organize political action in support of the DREAM Act, a legislative proposal that would grant young people in their situation pathways to citizenship in the United States. By collecting stories anonymously, the organization aimed to shed light on the daily realities, hopes, and ambitions of Dreamers (a name given to this group of young people based on the bill).

Mario, Guatemala
My name is Mario and I am a sophomore studying mathematics and economics at UCLA. I moved to the U.S. from Guatemala at the age of nine to reunite with my mother after two years of not seeing her, only to once again be apart from her due to her job as a full-time nanny for another family. Even as a single mother, she has dedicated all of her time and effort to trying to make my life easier and better than how we lived in Guatemala. Since I cannot legally work in order to support us financially, I’ve contributed to our struggle by empowering myself with an education in order to support both of us when she no longer can work. I was valedictorian in my high school and the first one in my family to go to a university, but as an undocumented student, these accomplishments are somewhat meaningless to me as I know I have to fight harder in order to accomplish my long-term goals. In the future, I plan to become an economist or a math teacher as well as a strong supporter and advocate for equal rights and economic prosperity for everyone in the world.

Stephanie, Philippines
Prior to my discovery about our status, I spent my life “changing the channel” when it came to immigrants’ rights issues, and I dismissed the cause as something that didn’t concern me. Ironically, it was only when I discovered that I was undocumented myself that I truly understood that immigration reform was something that concerns Americans as a whole. As I entered adulthood, in essence, without adulthood—unable to drive, prove my age, vote, travel, or get a normal job—I suddenly understood that immigration reform was not simply a political issue or even, at its core, an immigration issue at all, but rather a civil rights issue. I have lived in this country for twenty years; it is literally all I know, and all that I understand. I hope that all other Americans can realize what I did about immigrants, albeit slowly: that we are everyone, we are anyone, and we could be you.

John, Korea
I arrived here at the age of 12 with my sister and mom in hope of receiving a better education. Throughout high school, I received good grades and made many friends. America was now my home. However, during my junior year, I realized that my dream had no chance against the American immigration laws. Except for the local community college, there were no other schools that I could go to. Many universities and colleges rejected my application, requesting documents proving my legal status. I had no such documents, so I gave up my dream of higher education and becoming a computer programmer. My only option was to work. It was not always easy finding a job because of my status. Thanks to my family and friends, I have been able to continuously find employment. It has already been 14 years since I immigrated here. There is no future for me but to live hopelessly. Through the DREAM Act, I will be able to continue my education and fulfill my dream of becoming a computer programmer. I need the DREAM Act for my dream to become reality.

Source: National Immigration Law Center. “DREAM Student Profiles,” March 2009. https://www.nilc.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/student-profiles-2009-03-10.pdf (accessed April 26, 2022).