DACA STUDENTS TALK ABOUT THEIR FEARS

More than 72,000 undocumented students are enrolled in California colleges. About half of them are protected by DACA status.

Over the course of the past year, DACA recipients have had to overcome many uncertainties and fears.

“I heard rumors that they were releasing people’s information to ICE and I started building fears. I’m not the only immigrant in my family and what if I’m doing all of this and it can just be taken away by someone’s decision?” said Carlos, Fresno City College sophomore.

For others, being undocumented means limited job opportunities.

Arturo Teran, Fresno State junior, said he lives in constant fear of deportation while working to pay for his college tuition.

“Having to find a job without the proper documentation is kind of stressful because you never know when someone can report you or somebody from the authorities could come and just take you away.”

Reaching out for help and finding someone to trust with their undocumented status is a struggle for many.

“I think asking for help, trying to find someone who you feel comfortable with, disclosing your legal status and just having these normal conversations is really hard and when I was a freshman in college I didn’t know who to turn to,” said Nancy Barragan, Fresno State Alumna.

For many DACA students, these fears are their everyday reality.

If you or someone you may know would like more information on how to get help in school while being undocumented, the Dream Center is a safe place where students can go get help.