DACA recipient: Thankful for living here!

I am a DACA recipient living in the United States under a limbo status, with no pathway to naturalization. My heart aches as I witness this administration continue to strip away rights from individuals like me. I live with constant uncertainty, worried about the future of my ability to renew my work authorization.

As a Registered Nurse specializing in Oncology and Palliative Care, I dedicate myself to providing compassionate, unbiased care to patients from all walks of life—regardless of race, religion, socioeconomic status, or education. I have been the last person to hold the hands of patients as they took their final breaths, and I have cried tears of joy when others celebrated the end of their last round of chemotherapy. I have listened to their fears, dreams, hopes, and goals for the future. Every day, I am proud to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

And yet, I am treated as a second-class citizen. As an immigrant, my rights are under attack, leaving me in helpless despair. The relentless efforts to vilify immigrants like me are painful, but living in Seattle has given me a sense of protection, humanity, and acceptance that I never felt while in Texas. I am deeply grateful to be in a progressive city and state that actively fights against the injustices targeting marginalized groups. I also appreciate the relentless efforts of our Attorney General and other leaders who stand for equality and justice.

No matter what the future holds, I am proud of the efforts being made, and that it didn’t go down without a fight !