My Name is Cindy and I am Undocumented

This week's guest DREAMer is Cindy.  Visit DreamACTivist.org to find out how you can help pass the DREAM Act.

My name is Cindy and I am undocumented.

My parents brought me to the US at age 9 along with my sister and brother with tourist visas and overstayed. I quickly adjusted as a child to my new home and was encouraged by my parents to do well in school. Eventually, I developed an eagerness to attend college and make a better life for myself than what my parents had. Their encouragement was my main motivation.

I knew attending college would not be easy for an undocumented student like me, but I was the most determined young girl you can imagine. Fortunately for me a law was passed in the state where I live that allowed undocumented students to attend college and pay resident tuition. Early during my senior year I went to my counselor’s office to ask for his help with the application and to find scholarships. I took with me every single piece of information I gathered from a recent education symposium along with my personal research online. I remember being afraid when I spoke with my counselor; I knew he would not be familiar with my situation. However, he was the first person to listen and help me in my long journey. Ultimately, I found myself speaking in front of scholarship committees asking for a chance to prove the extent of my potential. Some believed in me, and I was awarded two academic scholarships and one private scholarship that helped me finance the majority of my education at one of the largest universities in my state.

During college I constantly kept in touch with the international affairs office to inquire about my legal options after I graduated. They always had the same response for me: there is nothing you can do because there are no visas for students like you. I knew that I would not be able to work upon graduation so I looked to continue my education in hope that DREAM Act would soon become a reality.

In late March 2007 I applied to a specialized 12-month program and was accepted for the fall term. At the time I thought another year would be enough for immigration laws to change or for DREAM. Once again, I did the best I could to take advantage of my education and I graduated with honors at the top of my class literally, with various recognitions, awards won at research competitions, and even co-authorship in a scientific journal after my contribution in research. I also took two national certification exams for my profession and passed.

I have a great passion for my career and it pains that I cannot work in my profession because of my status. I feel I became a failure because all my accomplishments have been reduced to decorations on a wall. All the potential I have is being wasted every day that I sit here. This situation is forcing me to choose between the country I love with my family or my career in a foreign country. The DREAM Act is the only hope I have left.

[Image: lordsutch]