problems of undocumented youth

My deferred action application has been approved! My work permit is on its way, and should be here within the week! I don't even know what to say. My life is about to turn around, to really begin! 

This YouTube video brings us a lot of joy: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6RXSlMu5EDI

Under this directive, individuals who demonstrate that they meet the following criteria will be eligible for an exercise of discretion, specifically deferred action, on a case-by-case basis:

1) Came to the United States under the age of 16;

2) Have continuously resided in the United States for a least five years preceding the date of this memorandum and are present in the United States on the date of this memorandum;

3) Are currently in school, have graduated from high school, have obtained a general education development certificate, or are honorably discharged veterans of the Coast Guard or Armed Forces of the United States;

4) Have not been convicted of a felony offense, a significant misdemeanor offense, multiple misdemeanor offenses, or otherwise pose a threat to national security or public safety;

5) Are not above the age of 30.

Only those individuals who can prove through verifiable documentation that they meet these criteria will be eligible for deferred action. Individuals will not be eligible if they are not currently in the United States and cannot prove that they have been physically present in the United States for a period of not less than five years immediately preceding today's date. Deferred action requests are decided on a case-by-case basis. DHS cannot provide any assurancethat all such requests will be granted.The use of prosecutorial discretion confers no substantive right, immigration status, or pathway to citizenship. Only the Congress, acting through its legislative authority, can confer these rights.

While this guidance takes effect immediately, USCIS and ICE expect to begin implementation of the application processes within 60 days. In the meantime, individuals seeking more information on the new policy should visit USCIS' website, ICE's website or DHS' website. Beginning Monday, individuals can also call USCIS' hotline at 1-800-375-5283 or ICE's hotline at 1-888-351-4024 during business hours with questions or to request more information on the forthcoming process.

For individuals who are in removal proceedings and have already been identified as meeting the eligibility criteria and have been offered an exercise of discretion as part of ICE's ongoing case-by-case review, ICE will immediately begin to offer them deferred action for a period of two years, subject to renewal.

Anonymous asks: "I know about the AB 130 and AB 131 but I don’t understand the application very well. How will it help? Does it give AB 540 students money for this upcoming year or when? 

I am glad that thousands of DREAMers have the opportunity to go to college and obtain their degree." AB130 -- It allows for undocumented students who already meet the residency criteria for California in-state tuition to obtain scholarships that are not derived from state funds. 

I hope you don’t mind me sending this, but I have to get it off my chest.

When I heard about Joaquin Luna taking his own life, as a fellow DREAMer, I felt sadness. I didn’t really understand the notion of what leads someone to commit suicide, but the older I get, the more I not only understand his decision to take his own life, but I find myself wondering how much longer I can keep on going.

I am entering my fourth year at a community college. When I was in high school, people always told me that regardless of immigration status, I could go to college. I could get enough financial aid and go to college and fulfill my hopes.

No one told me that 99% of scholarships ask for a social. No one told me that I wouldn’t be able to work so my education would be a burden on my family’s finances. No one told me that textbooks cost hundreds of dollars EACH. No one told me that even if I got an Associate’s Degree, I wouldn’t be able to do anything with it because you need a social to do anything with your college degree. No one told me that to even get into nursing programs you need to have a social.

So I changed my major, put a smile on my face, and tried to do the best I could. But how long can I keep that fake smile? How many times can I lie to people who ask me why I’m still at a junior college? How many times can I lie to people about why I don’t drive, or why I don’t have a job, or why I don’t just take out a loan? How long am I expected to do this?

I’m getting to the point where I hate going to school. I’m running out of classes to take. My parents are losing hope that I’ll ever be even half of what they dreamed I could be. My parents themselves are losing faith in the country that was supposed to be the land of opportunity. My parents are considering going back to the country, to the poverty, to the suffering we left behind, since it seems we left suffering for American suffering.

So when I think back to Joaquin Luna, I understand why he took his life, because honestly, in the middle of the night, when the tears won’t stop, I too wonder how long I can keep trying to swim against the stream, how long I can pretend I’m enjoying the struggle.

I understand why Joaquin did what he did.

I hope I have enough strength in me to keep trying to go against that stream. 

If you post it, please keep it anon. I don't want my friends knowing this.

Shit People Say To Undocumented Youth

Tell them to check out our blog - they might like it :)