By: Ashmar Mandou

Last year, President Obama signed the DREAM executive order, which changed the lives of thousands of undocumented students across the country by allowing a pathway to citizenship. On the one year anniversary of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), we interviewed two students who shared their success story since approval earlier this year.

Yvonne Aguilera, 21
Student at St. Augustine College
Erie Neighborhood House Employee

How has your life changed since applying for DACA?
Life has been great. I was surprised at how fast I received the DACA package. It’s a great feeling to be able to apply for a driver’s license, to receive a check with a stub and be able to open up a bank account. To be able to do all the things that other people get to do. What I find most rewarding is that I am able to provide for my soon to be one year daughter. And know that I have more opportunities out there for me and my family.

What are your future plans?
Well, I definitely want to finish my last year at St. Augustine College and get my associates. Afterwards, I plan on continuing my college education to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Respiratory Therapy. Ever since I was little, I’ve always wanted to help people. I used to tell my dad that I would take care of him [smiles]. My parents sacrificed so much coming here from Mexico and when I graduate I will be the first female to do so on both sides of the family…so I know graduation day will be a proud day for all of us.

How has Erie Neighborhood House played a role in your life?
My family has been coming to Erie for years. My dad was the first one to come for English classes in 1999. A couple of years later, the rest of us came to seek Erie’s services and the staff here has been great. It’s like we are family. And when DACA was passed, Erie supported me from the beginning by helping me fill out the application and making sure we did everything the right way.

What would you like to tell law makers about the importance of immigration reform?
You know, it’s not our fault that our parents brought us here as young kids, but this is the only country we know. We have great memories here and our parents have sacrificed so much. I want law makers to realize that we are here to contribute more to this country. We are here to study and work hard. We are all human. The only thing that separates us is a nine-digit social security number.

Joanna Hernandez, 16
Student at Rauner College Prep
Erie Neighborhood House Employee

How has your life changed since applying for DACA?
I’ve gotten a job [laughs]. It’s just been amazing and it’s been relief that I can live my life somewhat normally, instead of worrying about whether or not I’ll be deported. I now get to do what other teenagers do at my age, which is apply for a driver’s license, which I’m going to do soon. I sometimes still can’t believe I have this opportunity. When I received the package I just remembered screaming [laughs].

What are your future plans?
I’m not sure which colleges I’ll be attending, yet. I know that I have two interests I want to pursue. I want to either be a detective or something to do with the medical field. Those two careers fascinate me, so we’ll see. I’m just excited that I can actually plan my future after high school and work to save up for college. This really took the pressure off of my parents and myself…we are just happy right now.

How has Erie Neighborhood House played a role in your life?
My mom used to bring my younger brother here for classes. I also have a cousin who works here and when DACA was passed she urged us to come here and get more information, which we did. The team of lawyers really helped my mom and I out and gave us so much information. At first I was nervous…so I waited after the November elections to see if anything would be changed. I applied last October and every since then I have been working here at Erie House in the teen program.

What would you like to tell law makers about the importance of immigration reform?
I’m grateful for everything I have. We have come a long way, but we need more. We need to make sure that other students and families are allowed the same opportunities to live to their fullest potential. I want them to put themselves in our shoes and see what kind of lives we lead. We are here to make this country a better place.