Hi there, friend, my name is Diana Avila, and I’ve been a DACA recipient since the policy was created when I was 12 years old. In honor of DACA’s 11th anniversary this month, I wanted to share my story:
At the time, getting DACA was a relief for me — a window to a world of opportunities. DACA has had an immense impact on my ability to live and thrive in the country I call home. But it has never been enough.
My older brother and I, like many DACA recipients, only had access to emergency health care, so if it wasn’t urgent, we didn’t go see a doctor. However, my younger siblings, who have citizenship status, had health care whenever they needed it.
What that means is I wore the same pair of glasses for three years, while my younger siblings always had up-to-date prescriptions. Also, when I played sports, it was difficult for my mom to find an affordable clinic so I could get a physical.
When I turned 18 and no longer had access to emergency care, things got much more difficult for me and my family. I got a concussion while playing soccer and needed regular checkups. This isn’t something which normally wouldn’t be a medical “crisis,” but because I didn't have health care, my family had to pay $300 out-of-pocket for each doctor’s visit, ultimately putting our family into medical debt.
So, when I heard that the Biden administration was planning to restore DACA recipients’ access to affordable health care, I was excited because everyone needs consistent and affordable care and we’ve been fighting for this for so long.
However, the fight isn’t over. Even if this new rule is adopted, we still need Congress to pass a pathway to citizenship for DACA recipients, so we have the freedom to thrive, pursue our dreams, and build our lives in the U.S.
Congress has the power to secure the futures of DACA recipients by passing a pathway to citizenship. So friend, will you join me in calling on Congress to take swift action on behalf of me, my older brother, and the hundreds of thousands of immigrant youth who call this country home?
My message to the people in power: Health care is a human right and should be easier to access and more affordable for everyone. Passing a pathway to citizenship is the best way to make that a reality.
Thank you for standing with me. Together, we can build a better world where everyone — regardless of their immigration status — has what they need, not just to survive, but to thrive.
Sincerely,
Diana Avila
DACA Recipient
