“Hello, my name is Monica Martinez and I have been living in the USA since I was 6. I go to Midway University to pursue a Psychology degree. I hope to some day use my degree to give back to my community and my parents, for everything that they have done for me. Without DACA, I don’t know how I could’ve obtained the apartment I live in, CNA certification, my job, license, and anything else that has to do with a social security number.
DACA has opened many doors to me and other fellow recipients, but there are still many doors closed. Many fields require you to have full citizenship (for example, scholarships, voting, etc.) to access the full arena of opportunities. I hope that one day our voices will be heard and we will be seen as more than just people who should have the basics. Without DACA, I don’t know where I would be today, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds.”