A Dreamer in School: Lydia

Nearly 80,000 young adults in the United States are protected by DACA, the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. Those with DACA lived in the U.S. illegally when they were young, and the program protects them from deportation.

The program started during the Obama administration, and the Trump administration said it would end the DACA program. October 5 was the deadline to renew DACA for current recipients, and no new applications are being accepted. Those who renewed before the deadline have two more years of protection under the program, which allows them to work legally, but it is not equivalent to citizenship.

The names of the subjects in this piece have been changed for privacy reasons.

Lydia is passionate about social justice, especially women's rights. Photo by Natalie Van Hoozer

In the United States it is estimated that approximately 72,000 students in universities are undocumented, with half of those students being DACA recipients.

The Goals of A Dreamer

“We came here when I was 1 years old, so this is pretty much where I’ve grown up, the only place that I know...”

Lydia is an 18-year-old student at the University of Nevada, Reno. Born in Guadalajara, Mexico, she came to the United States, particularly Reno, NV, when she was just a one year old.

As a major in economics with a minor in ethnic studies, she aspires to become an immigration lawyer so that she can help other immigrants in the future.

Lydia in grade school. Photo by Natalie Van Hoozer

This aspiration came as a surprise to some of her family members and even herself. When she was younger she always imagined becoming a social worker because she thought that was the best way to be able to help people. During her senior year of high school she found that she wanted to go a different route:

"My senior year was when I really started considering how big of a problem this really was and just considering what I’ve been through and how it impacted me, how it could impact other people, and I didn't see why I wouldn't go for this because I felt like it was the perfect opportunity," says Lydia.

Growing up a Dreamer

Lydia reflected that she feels one of the common misconceptions about dreamers is that they do not work hard, when she always saw her parents working and making a living for their family.

They would often re-tell the story of not even begin able to afford diapers while living paycheck to paycheck, and they refused financial help from strangers who offered to buy the diapers because they didn't want others to pity them.

Lydia keeps her prized possessions neatly organized on shelves in her room. Photo by Natalie Van Hoozer

Now the tides have changed, with Lydia's parents owning their own successful business. The success still does not quell her parent's fear of what the future could hold for her as a dreamer, but she plans to make a difference if she can.

“Growing up as a DACA student I grew up seeing the struggles and everything we face being undocumented," she says. "My parents still kind of fear anyone can be deported, so I think anything like that is so real in our community and if I have the opportunity to just change one life and help them become a citizen, or stay in the country, I think it’s important for us to take action and be educated in that manner. I think I’d be really excited to impact the lives of people like myself."

Lydia says she looks up to Frida Kahlo as a strong, independent woman. Photo by Natalie Van Hoozer

The Truth About DACA For a Dreamer

At the end of the day, DACA grants access to a social security card and work authorization card, but not true citizenship. This means troubles for her with receiving scholarships and financial aid for college.

In the end, Lydia hopes that changes are made to DACA that grants even more privileges to Dreamers:

“I’m really exciting that right now people know about DACA. Before no one really knew what it was or spoke about DACA....

Lydia also says that she thinks many people perceive DACA recipients as the children of criminals who take tax payer money. She would like people to know that, in reality, undocumented immigrants pay taxes and do not receive health care. She added that she is waiting for the day when legislation protecting young immigrants like herself finally passes.

"We’re important enough to take action or help a little bit more."

Interview by Natalie Van Hoozer and Jolie Ross

Written by Alina Dennis