Deferred Action: the Stuff of DREAMs?

Amidst high hopes, activists wonder whether deferred action will provide relief for undocumented youth--or cause more problems.

By Rebecca Burns

On the day that the Obama administration’s “deferred action” program took effect, an estimated 13,000 young undocumented immigrants lined up outside an application workshop in Chicago. In a testament to the enormous hopes pinned on the program, many had brought sleeping bags [RETURN TO ARTICLE]

  • Reader Comments

    Rebecca got it wrong. UWD didnt #undocuppy. That was NIYA.

    Posted by V on Sep 16, 2012 at 10:22 AM

    I came to the U.S. when I was 4. I’ve worked picking cucumbers, chiles, blueberries, peanuts, oranges, limes since I was 8. Working for hours while the sun is burning your back,  body covered in dirt & pesticides being sprayed around you. I blamed my parents for bringing me to this country. I would always tell them “Just let me drop out! What’s the point of going to school for 13years if I’m just going to end up working in the fields? I might as well just stop now.” My whole senior year I was depressed & cried every night because I knew that after high school I wouldn’t have the same future as my fellow classmates because I’m undocumented. I had already watched my 3 older brothers graduate & I knew I would end up with a minimum wage job like them. It wasn’t it easy but I’m thankful I graduated even though I wanted to drop out so many times. I graduated June 2012 with a 3.3 GPA & took 9 Honors & 2 AP classes. All my friends are in Universities right now & I’m stuck working in the groves with my parents. I stopped talking to my friends because I just simply got tired of coming up with excuses of why I couldn’t attend college like them. Its too expensive for me. I work with my parents and we only make around $300 a week all together, I don’t ask them for money because I know they need it. But thanks to President Obama I will get my work permit soon. I’m planning on working 2 years and saving as much as I can to pay for college. I want to either be a Medical Assistant or an Immigrant Social Worker. I am so thankful to God, President Obama, & this amazing country for giving me this opportunity. I can achieve my dreams now. Not just me but also my 3 older brothers. Thank You & God bless America. I love this country! Thank You Thank You!

    Posted by Ana on Sep 16, 2012 at 3:46 PM