This November, cast a vote to keep dreams alive for immigrants

One day in 2010, when I was a sophomore at Alexander W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts, my friends and I were chatting about college. I had good grades and was confident I could get into a top university in Florida. My future was all in my hands. But that evening as I told my dad about my exciting plans, his face saddened. “I’m so sorry, Charlene,” he said, “but that might not be possible.”

That’s when I learned that I may not be able to go to college not because I didn’t have the grades but because I was undocumented. My parents had brought me to the United States when I was 11 years old. In our home country of Venezuela, the insecurity and way of life had become unbearable. Moving to the United States was life-changing. My mind was blown simply by the amount of food available in the supermarkets. Adjusting wasn’t easy, but I feel blessed to have the chance to make this country my home.

I was left wondering what sort of future America would hold for me until June 2012, when my family’s prayers were answered. President Barack Obama announced a new policy, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals — better known as DACA. No longer would I have to live in constant fear of deportation, and I could finally help support my family.

Today, I work at an immigration law firm and I am one class away from my paralegal degree from Palm Beach State College. I want to become an immigration attorney so I can give back to others. All of this would be impossible without DACA, which is why we must protect it so others like me can have the opportunity to achieve the American dream that has been promised to generations of immigrants.

As a Hispanic in America, I believe our community has made a difference by inspiring others and giving a voice to the voiceless. Florida is home to nearly 29,000 DREAMers like me who cannot vote but whose very existence in this country hinges upon this election.

I urge everyone who can vote to consider what their presidential choice would mean for me and other DREAMers. Give us the opportunity to continue to give back to our families, our communities, and this great country we call home.