Young immigrant from Honduras says DACA opens up work, study opportunities

By Karina E. Flores and Tim Vandenack, Published: 05/21/16

Reaching her teen years, it never occurred to Melissa Paz brought to the United States from Honduras
as a young girl that she belonged anywhere else.
Growing up, I never identified myself as an undocumented person, Paz said. Im Melissa. Im a Latin
woman in the United States of America. Thats pretty much it.
Her mother had brought her and a sibling to Elkhart in search of asylum after a natural disaster. But Paz,
then 3, was deemed undocumented. The significance didnt register growing up, but as Paz, now 20,
reached her teens, she realized things werent quite right.
She worried she wouldnt be able to work or drive legally here because of her status. Worse yet, she
faced deportation.
The fear set in, said Paz, who now works in a Goshen factory.
She turned to her faith, but a comment a judge once made in her deportation case Once shes of age,
we have to deport her stuck.
Once Im 18, I might have to go back to my home country with a high school diploma, not knowing
anyone on my side of the family and having to make it work in my home country, she worried at the time.
Enter President Obama and his initiative, the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, unveiled in
2012, when Paz was 17. DACA, as its known, allows eligible undocumented immigrants brought here as
children by their parents to acquire Social Security cards and temporary but renewable work permits,
letting them remain lawfully to work and study.
As federal immigration reform talks and efforts to contend with illegal immigration have stopped and
started, DACA, implemented by Obama via executive action, represents one step forward, at least for
immigrant advocates.
Paz applied, and after a year-long process entailing visits to immigration offices around the region and
payment of a $400 fee, she received DACA status. Its made a world of difference.
Now shes saving money from her factory job and hoping to go to college to become a counselor. Given
her legal status, she still will have to pay higher, non-resident tuition at a public university in Indiana, but
shes thrilled with the opportunities nonetheless.
Its like I won the lottery, she said. I get to stay. I get to go to school, I get to work, I get to help (my
mom) and I get to have a license. I get to have all those things that other people who were born here, who
are citizens, sometimes take for granted.
The Pew Research Center initially said DACA could benefit up to 1.7 million undocumented
immigrants across the country. However, the measure could theoretically be rescinded when a new
president takes office in January.
Some critics charge that it undermines U.S. immigration policy by granting a means for undocumented
immigrants to lawfully remain here.
Elkhart immigration attorney Rosy Meza, though, expressed skepticism it would be revoked, saying such
a move would likely spur strong political backlash. Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton
has defended Obamas initiative while GOP hopeful Donald Trump has called for more forceful
action against undocumented immigrants.
It is what it is, but Im thankful that I have it. Lets hope and pray that it doesnt get revoked, Paz said.
Goshen immigration attorney Felipe Merino called DACA a true blessing, granting opportunity to what he
sees as a deserving group. Yes, there are laws, he said, but the United States is also a country of ideals
and principles.
Beyond DACA, Paz hopes for comprehensive reform that would create a pathway for her and other
undocumented immigrants to remain permanently.
My hope and dream is for yes, Im going to say the A-word an amnesty act, Paz said.

Every Latinos story is different, Paz said, but many like her were brought to the United States at a young
age and simply want the opportunity to live on in the only country they know as home. Despite the
complications, theyre grateful to be here and strive to get educated and make a positive impact in their
communities.
I didnt come here by my own choice. My mom brought me, Paz said. But if it wasnt for my moms
sacrifice, I wouldnt be going where I am going in life and I will always be indebted to her for choosing to
bring me here.