DACA student: California is all I know

By Kenia Cabahug
Staff Writer

I have lived in California since I was one and a half, and I will be turning 23 this November. California is all I know.
I grew up taking strolls with my family down PCH, going to the Griffith Observatory and admiring the L. A. lights and thinking about what a blessed life I am living in the land of opportunities.
Growing up I always knew I was not born in the U.S. I never thought anything of it, until I was about to graduate high school in 2012 and it was time to apply to college.
Since I did not “qualify” for FASFA, the privilege of attending a university seemed distant. Due to the fact that I did not qualify for FAFSA, I attended Cerritos College as an AB540/DACA Student.
I worked very hard to get my AA in communications to make sure I had a future as a Toro at CSUDH.
Aside from school, DACA has given me the opportunity to work. Since having DACA, I have had four different jobs. Right now, I am currently a supervisor and trainer at Disneyland, as well as a Media Representative for the Disneyland Resort.
Through DACA, I was also able to request a permit to leave the country and visit my birth country. Even though I was born in Guadalajara, Mexico, when I stepped off the plane, everything seemed so unfamiliar, even the air felt strange.
I think I can speak for every DACA recipient when I say that DACA has changed our lives in a way we never thought was possible.
DACA protects thousands of young undocumented immigrants who were brought to the United States as children. Since DACA’s being rescinded it means thousands of dreams are being taken in a blink of an eye.