Congress has forgotten about 'Dreamers' like me. But there's something you can do

I have been in Arizona since I was 5 and a “Dreamer” at 14, when I was an incoming freshman at Red Mountain High School in Mesa.

I thought I would be a U.S citizen by the time I graduated from college. This year, I earned a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies from Arizona State University – yet my immigration status and livelihood in the U.S remains in limbo.

It's been 10 years since President Obama signed the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program to protect young people like me from deportation. Under this program, I was able to get a driver’s license, attend college and have a work permit.

But still there’s no actual path to U.S citizenship. I’m grateful to be a DACA recipient, but even that is no sure thing.

We live in constant fear and uncertainty

Since its inception, DACA has faced several legal challenges. I’ve been overwhelmed with fear and anxiety with every lawsuit, presidential administrative memorandum and court ruling.

At any second, my legal presence in the only country I have known could be taken away. Later this year the 5th Circuit of Appeals will hear a Texas lawsuit challenging DACA’s legality. Once again, I am reminded of the constant uncertainty of my life.

What does fear look like?

My mother could’ve been deported when she had a car accident. My father could have been detained by immigration authorities when he traveled to Puerto Rico for work. Police officers could have detained and turned me over to immigration officials when my vehicle was towed on a date as a junior in high school because I couldn’t legally have a driver’s license.

Attending college is already expensive. Now, try to do it while paying out-of-state tuition and without federal financial aid or state-funded scholarships.

I did it, but not everyone can.

Another view: Push to lower Dreamers' tuition is coming from Republicans?

'Dreamers' need a path to citizenship

Former President Trump paused advanced parole, a temporary work permit that allows people to leave the U.S. legally for humanitarian, educational or work-related purposes.

With no advance parole and no other way of legally leaving the U.S., I had to miss both of my grandfathers’ funerals.

That was hard, as is the simple legal uncertainty. I didn’t decide on my own to come to this country without proper authorization.

But I’m here now in a place I love, a place I’ve called home for almost 20 years.

And I’m not alone. There are hundreds of thousands of other DACA recipients facing the same legal uncertainties while attending college or working and paying taxes – contributing to this country we so much love.

Legalizing “Dreamers” has broad public support. Why not just do it?

Congress should do what Americans want and what we desperately need – a path to citizenship so we can keep contributing to this county.

Arizona voters also can help us. Here's how

Arizona voters can help, too. Voters must support Proposition 308 on the November ballot to provide in-state tuition and state-funded scholarships to all Arizona high school graduates, regardless of immigration status.

This is crucial because too many youngsters are undocumented, not DACA recipients and can’t afford college.

Undocumented individuals have to pay up to 300% more in tuition fees to

attend an Arizona university. That makes college impossible for too many who could be part of the educated workforce in our state.

My parents left Mexico to avoid drug-cartel violence and poverty. My father has worked tirelessly as a contractor to give us a better life and a decent education.

I’m a proud American even if America doesn’t consider me one of its own. I hope our senators can find it in their hearts to give us, the “Dreamers,” the chance to legally call this country home.

Mario Montoya is a research analyst and coalitions consultant at Aliento, a youth-led community organization; an Arizona State University alumnus; and an aspiring law school candidate. On Twitter: @AlientoAZ. 

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Congress forgot about 'Dreamers' like me. But you can help