It was summer of 1999 when I had to pack my whole life into two pieces of luggage and move from Mexico City to Chicago. Unfamiliar with the language, the culture and with little to no family or friends, my family and I started a new life. This was a start with intentions of a brighter, safer future and in search of great opportunities. From age eleven, I attended Chicago Public Schools and graduated high school in 2006. Not attending college was never an option. However, the expenses associated with it were a challenge. Not having a status meant no federal aid and limited opportunities for any scholarship.
My parents, who brought us to the States through an extended family member petition, were my financial support. Through their hard work I was able to attend college. Finances dictated my ability to attend full time and sometimes part time.
Thankfully, Illinois is a state in which even without a status, if you reside in the state you can pay as a resident and not as an international student, which would have almost doubled tuition. In 2012 I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. The reason I was able to go right into my career was because the program DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) came along a few months prior to my graduation. DACA allowed me to receive a work permit and truly changed my path. In addition to a work permit, DACA came with other beneficial things like being able to have credit, therefore allowing me to purchase a car and most importantly to get a driver’s license and state ID. The program allows for renewal every two years, which until today has allowed me to maintain some stability and to be independent.
As years went by and my desire to continue my studies grew stronger, I doubted the possibility of being able to achieve a graduate degree. DACA is incredibly powerful and has changed the lives of many, however it is not permanent and there is always the possibility of it being removed. For years, this fear prevented me from pursing a higher degree. My fears were to not be able to work anymore, which would lead to having no way to sustain myself, pay for school or additionally be in debt with no possibility to utilize my degree to work. With my current status, making long term plans is not possible. Different to many who make short and long term plans, two years is as far as I can plan with assurance. In 2019, right after my last DACA renewal, I decided to take the risk and begin my path towards a master’s degree in Industrial Organizational Psychology.
I chose this degree because work is a great part of individuals’ lives. I recognize that with this degree I can impact organizations in how they create and sustain the best environments for their employees. My goal with this degree is to impact people in the workforce, specifically in non-profits, because those are the ones reaching and working with the community every day. Although DACA provides incredible support in reaching my goals, even with the program, financial hurdles are still present. The program does not allow for application to student loans (unless a US citizen can co-sign), federal aid is off limits as well as any available federal work-study programs. My hopes for the future are to be able to graduate at the end of 2020 and be able to jump right into my new degree.
For those who want to support the DACA community, I recommend a couple of things. Many people eligible for the program have fear of applying due to lack of education around the benefits of it. Workshop opportunities to educate those who may be eligible could make a great impact. Another great hurdle for many is the cost of the program. The initial application as well as every renewal costs $495. Financial support for those eligible is a great way to help. Lastly, the moral support can make a difference. Through my studies at The Chicago School, I have seen the support through “I support DACA” signs along the offices of many professors. Knowing that there is awareness of DACA students being present and going through everyday hurdles to further our studies gives me fuel to continue in my path. DACA has many faces, all with the common factors of the desire to work, pursue dreams and enjoy this beautiful country which has watched us grow.
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