Omar: “DACA. An acronym that you hear often but never really know what it means to someone like me.
To someone like me who was brought to the land of opportunity at the age of 5 by my parents who were only concerned of my well being and future.
When I got approved for DACA, I was very excited! I knew that this was my chance to start making a future for myself. Apart from the excitement I also knew the risks associated with DACA. I knew that if it ever got voided or taken away I would most likely be deported. Just like that.
To me, it’s an opportunity. To provide for my wife (Alex) and son (Oliver). Without having to work illegally and possibly lose my job at any point.
It’s an opportunity for me to be able to acquire a driver’s license and not have to be worried when I’m out driving with my son in the car. That I might get stopped and arrested for driving without one and possibly getting deported in jail.
An opportunity to ACTUALLY feel safe. To feel safe from being deported to a county I don’t know and leaving my wife and son behind.
I wish I could tell you that when I do get the opportunity to apply for citizenship through my wife, it would be the end of my worries. Unfortunately it’s not, the process is very expensive and unpredictable. Sometimes we have to wonder if it’s even worth it.
I look forward to being able to go to bed without the fear of deportation on the back of my mind.”