The Deferred Action Waiver Fund (otherwise known as “DACAF”) is a fund set up to award undocumented activists with a scholarship to cover the fee associated with applying for Deferred Action. We recognize that many of the activists we work with on a daily basis do not have the financial means to apply for Deferred Action and so this fund will try to meet the needs of these activists. To apply send in a completed application found here.

At age twelve I arrived in the country in July 2002 with my brother and mother. My mother considered the move best for our overall well being. We arrived on visitor’s visas and, subsequently, each of us received permission from USCIS to remain in the country for a total of one year. Attempts to change/adjust the visas within the first year proved futile as policies had changed due to 9/11.

Prior to coming to the US I attended a preparatory school where I held the position of Head Girl, the appointment made by the teachers and endorsed by the Principal. Throughout my schooling in the US I have been involved in various school activities and community services. This aided tremendously in my very difficult adjustment and initial feeling of being a “non-entity”.

It’s been an honor to have been involved in community services and personal endeavors throughout the years, such as: The Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon (2004), Brothers of Leadership and Distinction and Ladies of Distinction (Service Organization 2006-2008), Hosea Feed the Hungry (High School and College) and Habitat for Humanity (College). I have also donated blood through the Red Cross.

Unfortunately, my lack of specified documentation has prevented me from assisting in other areas including teaching English as a second language to my fellow immigrants, tutoring, and assisting in the assimilation of refugees. My participation in Habitat for Humanity, Hosea Feed the Hungry and Kid’s Against Hunger has afforded me the opportunity to assist migrants who, like me, due to the downturn in the economy, have found themselves in need of assistance.

I am grateful to have been a member of Ave Maria University’s ‘Students Working for Equal Rights’, an organization of students working to educate the community and improve the lives of undocumented youth. I was part of the event coordinating team for the organization’s showing of “Papers,” a documentary about undocumented youths. I also took part in the planning committee for high school outreach.

Citing my academic performance, extra-curricular activities and community service, I received a full private scholarship to my above mentioned Alma Mater from which I am now a recent Cum Laude Math major Biology minor graduate. I have been accepted into three graduate programs, one of which has offered scholarship and financial support. Two of these are aware of my current status and all have deferred my entrance until I acquire the necessary documents and/or funding.

As with many, my mother, brother and I have been finding it difficult to attain work, and, as such, cannot afford the fees required to apply for this long awaited chance of “stability and sense of belonging” in the form of the recently announced Deferred Action. My brother is presently registered in culinary school and of similar status. We have collectively and individually sought assistance and advice via letters, e-mails and personal conversations to no avail. Being able to apply for DACA would change all of this!

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