We need a permanent solution
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Dear John,

I came to the U.S. from El Salvador in 2001 when I was 11 years old.
Growing up, I was acutely aware of my undocumented status and often
ashamed of how it set me apart from my friends. My main outlet for
connection to my community was my Christian church, where I volunteered
and was active in youth groups.

I was determined to pursue higher education even though being
undocumented meant that the financial aid that my peers could count on
wasn't available to me. Getting an education was important for its own
sake, but at times it felt pointless. What was I going to do with a
degree in cybersecurity when being undocumented meant no one in the
field would hire me? I prayed every day that somehow my legal status
would change. I wondered whether pursuing my dreams was worth it.

The inception of DACA in 2012 felt like an answer to my prayers. I was
finally able to work legally. I no longer lived in fear of being
arrested by immigration enforcement officials. 

Tell your member of Congress to pass a permanent solution for Dreamers.
 

In 2015, I graduated from the University of Maryland University College
with a bachelor's degree in cybersecurity and landed a stable job in
my chosen field. DACA made so many things easier, although I still
couldn't take top jobs I was recruited for because the government
doesn't offer DACA recipients the necessary security clearance. 

Though I faced uncertainty and extra barriers, I was creating my
American Dream. 

Every Dreamer deserves to pursue their own American dream. Act now to
tell Congress to pass a permanent solution. In
the summer of 2016, I met my future wife. We quickly bonded over our
mutual love for dogs, traveling, documentaries, and speaking in
Spanglish. It took me six months to work up the courage to tell her I
had DACA. Ironically or not, she was an immigration advocate and knew a
lot more about the immigration system than I did. To my surprise, my
status didn't faze her, and for that I am eternally grateful. She was
the first person I ever met who was proud of my status and encouraged me
to be proud of it too. 

As our relationship progressed, my immigration status became more
relevant. In addition to the trivial things, like how often I had to
renew my drivers' license, it also impacted our ability to imagine our
future. We didn't know what would happen to our relationship if DACA
ended. 

After dating for about four years, we got engaged. Amongst many other
deep conversations about the important step of marriage, we discussed
the significance of my status and how it could impact our future. We got
married in a beautiful ceremony on a lake in the Berkshires of
Massachusetts in 2021.

My DACA story has a happy ending. Because I entered on a visa and
married a U.S. citizen, I was able to complete a family petition and
green card application in the U.S. without facing a waiver or
immigration court. Though my case was decided in less than 7 months,
most are far less fortunate given the lengthy waiting times. Even though
we had a lawyer with us and my wife had represented numerous clients at
the same office, I was terrified to attend my green card interview. It
felt like my fate was in someone else's hands. Despite my fears, my
case was approved, and I walked out of my interview with a temporary
green card stamped in my passport. I was ecstatic. I had been in the
U.S. for over 21 years, and for the first time felt like I belonged. I
could breathe.

Me and my wife Samantha at USCIS on the day my green card was approved.

** **

Tell Congress that all Dreamers deserve a chance to thrive.

Immigration status doesn't just impact the immigrant. It impacts their
families, friends, jobs, and communities. Had there been a "right way"
to obtain lawful status I would have done it immediately. I would have
paid almost any fee to lawfully fix my immigration status. Any time I
heard of a possibility, I pursued it, including trying to enlist in the
U.S. Army. I wanted to do the "right" thing. There just aren't many
options. 

Congress can positively impact over 600,000 lives (and likely many more)
by passing legislation that includes a pathway to citizenship for
Dreamers. It's time for Congress to make sure that Dreamers can
continue to contribute to this great country.

** **Dreamers love the U.S. We grew up here. This country is all we
know. We contribute to our schools, jobs, churches and communities. We
have deep connections to our families, friends, and communities. 

Even though my DACA story already ended with a green card, I believe all
DACA recipients and eligible Dreamers should have the opportunity to
receive lawful status and continue to contribute to this great country.

Sincerely,
Samuel Zelaya Rivas 

 

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