From The Queens Tribune: By Jason Banrey
Lucia Allain always dreamed of finishing school, traveling the world and becoming a well-known news anchor for CNN. She had no doubt that she would attend college and become the first girl on her mother’s side to obtain a degree. But at a young age when Allain asked if she could go visit her father back in Peru, her mother revealed a secret, exposing the reality of how difficult it may be to achieve her dream.
In 2000, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, more than 46 percent of Queens County residents were foreign born, some of whom are undocumented immigrants. As an undocumented immigrant herself, Allain is one of a large number of foreign-born residents seeking to attended college and start a career in America.
Allain’s dream is now on hold as she awaits approval of the DREAM Act, legislation that would provide a path towards citizenship for illegal immigrants who were brought to the U.S. as children by their parents.
Allain’s family came to the U.S. in 2002 from Lima, Peru. In search of economic opportunity and a better quality of life, they moved to the Lower East Side of Manhattan and later settled in Corona.
Although Allain’s elementary school did not provide her with ESL classes, she learned English within six months, primarily on her own. Before graduating from high school, Allain quickly adapted to her new home and became active in her community. Recently she won the Outstanding Community Leadership Award from the Mexican American Student Alliance for helping inform Queens residents about the importance of filling out 2010 Census forms in Jackson Heights.
Allain’s interest in journalism was sparked after visiting CNN’s offices in Manhattan. When the opportunity of an internship with the broadcast company came up, she applied. Due to her immigration status, Allain was turned down for the position and was devastated. Despite the missed opportunity, she did not put an end to pursuing a career in journalism.
Allain postponed enrolling into Queensborough Community College this fall to help her mother. By contributing the money she earns as a babysitter, one of the only occupations she could obtain due to her status, she helps pay the bills and buy groceries while saving money for enrollment in January.
Although Allain’s dream of becoming a news anchor may be on hold, she is optimistic that the DREAM Act will pass, erasing the one obstacle that stands in her way of achieving a successful career in journalism.
Despite Allain’s status, she continues to exercise her right to voice her opinions, as she prepared for a trip to Washington D.C. to rally support, with other “Dreamers,” for the DREAM Act.
“The fact that I’m undocumented doesn’t mean I sit around and do nothing,” said Allain. “[My status] makes me stronger. I am able to head out and meet with my peers and have a say in the democratic process.”
Like Allain, many other immigrant students from Queens headed to Washington D.C. to advocate for the passage of the DREAM Act.
DREAM Act. Kevin Kang, Youth Organizer for MinKwon Center for Community Action in Flushing, knows if Dreamers’ voices are heard, legislation will become law.
“The reason why the legislation made it through the Senate is because young people are stepping up and sharing their stories,” said Kang.
Although he is an American citizen himself, Kang became involved after realizing how much the immigration legislation would affect not only his friends but many of the people in his neighborhood.
“I once took my citizenship for granted. I didn’t see the benefits of being an American citizen,” said Kang. “There are students out there who want more for themselves.”
Kang now works with high school students who want to attend college and see the passage of the DREAM Act as the only obstacle standing between them and a career in a country they have always called home.
When it comes to passing the DREAM Act, “it’s a matter of doing what’s right,” said Kang. “Students are ready to serve.”
No comments:
Post a Comment