안녕하세요, John
It’s Election Season! As a DACA recipient, I can’t vote in U.S. elections, but I have never shied away from making my voice heard. The civic process determines so many aspects of my life, so I choose to speak up. It’s one of my deepest beliefs that we all should have a voice regardless of our immigration status.
Here are some ways I’ve been able to be engaged in the past:
- I volunteered for campaigns. You don’t even need to leave the comfort of your own home to volunteer to phone bank and send texts to voters who haven’t made up their minds yet! How about volunteering to help pass Proposition 308, which would open up in-state tuition access for undocumented students in Arizona?
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- I’ve encouraged my friends and family to vote. In many states, early voting is well underway. Even though I cannot vote, I have friends and family who can. I’ve learned over the years that personal encouragement is often the best way to get someone to the polls. Ask your loved ones if they have already voted or if they have a plan to go vote. Check out vote.gov to learn more about voting in your state.
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- I stay engaged beyond the elections. No matter what the electoral results are, it’s important to stay engaged with elected officials to hold them accountable. You can always write to and call your elected officials just as any citizen would. Learn about their stances on different issues. For example, does your member of congress support a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants? What will your state elected officials do to help expand access to financial aid for undocumented students? It’s in your right to find out. Find out who your elected officials are here.
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If there is anything that I have learned over the past twelve years that I have been publicly sharing my story as an undocumented person, it’s that my voice has power. It’s my sincere hope that you find power in your voice to change the world we live in. I believe in you all.
감사합니다!
Tony
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Tony Choi / 최명근
Digital Director
Immigrants Rising
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