DACA Ruling From A Dreamer’s Perspective

Adriana Campos spoke to 400 people about her DACA status at the North Texas Conference’s Immigration Summit on Feb. 9. You can listen to Campos' speech here.

Adriana Campos shares her feelings on case’s impact for the future

Relief. That is the first way I felt as I heard the Supreme Court decision on DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals).

This decision meant that I would be able to keep my job, be safe from deportation, and be able to continue with my life in the United States, my home. When I heard the news, I was with my little sister working on some math problems while my mom was at work. I couldn’t help but wonder what it would be like for her, a 7-year-old, if my parents or I were to be deported. Her world would completely change.

The feeling of relief was temporary. It brought on a reminder that at any moment it can all change. At any moment, one of my biggest fears can come true. At any moment, everything I have worked for is gone. The fear of my family being separated, of being sent away to live at a place I have no memory of and being forced to start over, the fear of having my life in the hands of strangers and not knowing what my future holds.

Lastly, I felt hope. Hope that there are some people who believe in us as productive members of society, as Dreamers, as human beings. I have hope that this battle that has been won in the Supreme Court is not only a conversation starter but a starter of change needed in legislation for Dreamers and our families. I have Hope that God will move hearts and minds of this country, and we will be given the opportunity to live here free of fear. I hope to be able to plan for my future, more than two years at a time.

My aspiration is to attend graduate school. I want to be able to work in my community, specifically with vulnerable populations such as the elderly, immigrants/refugees or special needs individuals. I want to be able to give back to those who in many occasions can get overlooked. I believe graduate school will prepare me and further educate me for whichever area I choose to pursue.

Even though my future remains in limbo, I can’t help but plan for one here. This is my home, this is all I know. I dream of the day I no longer have to worry about deportation, my family or my future. I anxiously await that day, and I hope it comes soon.

Adriana Campos came to the United States when she was 3. She is a Texas Woman’s University graduate and works with children with special needs. 

Published: Tuesday, June 23, 2020