Laura from Utah

My name is Laura. I’m originally from Guadalajara, Mexico. My parents, my little sister and I came to the US seeking treatment for my little sister, who was born with a heart condition. The doctors told my parents there was not much they could do in Mexico, and that if they wanted even a slight chance to see my sister grow up they they would have to seek treatment somewhere else.

At first we thought we would only be here for a few years and then go back to Guadalajara with my grandparents. It’s been over 10 years now and we have set roots in this country. This is now home for me and my little sister, who just turned 17 and will be graduating high school next summer. I am now a sophomore in college and my dream is to go to med school. DACA will open so many more doors for me and my family if I’m able to legally work and drive. I hope to be able to apply soon, so that I cam drive my grandma around when she comes to my sister’s graduation without the fear of being pulled over and getting the car impounded, or even worst getting arrested for nothing more than not having a drivers license. This is the first time I’ll get to see my grandma in almost 11 years.

Paulo from Florida

My name is Paulo and I’m 20 years old. I was born in Brazil but grew up in Miami since I was four years old. As a high school student I played football, and was offered scholarships to play college football. Unfortunately, once the schools learned about my status they simply apologized and said that unless I could get that fixed I would not be able to play for their team. Thanks to my mentor and coach I was able to get a job at a youth center, coaching kids and trying to be the a good role model for them. But the fear that I could get fired for lacking the right paperwork makes life stressful because I love my job, and I love coaching football to little kids; it keeps them out of trouble, and gives them a healthy hobby that may even become a professional career for some of them. I may never be able to play college football, but I at least want to coach. Being able to apply for deferred action is not even about wanting to find another job, I just want to be able to stay at my youth center and concentrate on the things that matter to me — my kids and football.