2008 Woodie Awards
Immigration laws halt dreams
Gloria Hernandez
Issue date: 11/12/07 Section: News
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Lazalde, who has been living in Dallas for almost nine years, said he's attended school and aspires to graduate with an accounting degree.
Lazalde said he's been offered internships and jobs from banks and accounting firms.
The work would help him pay for college and use the accounting degree he's pursuing.
"I feel the fact that I don't have a Social Security number only brings me back down to the bottom of the ladder," he said. "I'm not the only person in this situation and I have faith that if we work together we can make our dreams come true."
Recently, many students saw hope from what is called the Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors Act, also known as the Dream Act, which Congress was trying to pass.
The Dream Act would allow people brought to the United States as children by their illegal immigrant parents to gain legal status, provided they attended school or entered the military, as stated in the act.
Unfortunately for many, Congress voted down the Dream Act Oct. 24.
Community college student Vivian Artiaga said: "I wish there would be no distinctions between us. Many of us have lived here our whole life, yet we cannot be considered citizens of this country."
In addition, Artiaga said she strongly stands behind the Dream Act and she's not going to give up hope.
"I know we can make something happen; we just have to continue working for our rights," she said.
Lazalde and Artiaga are only two out of tens of thousands of other undocumented individuals who are not willing to give up their dreams.
Both Lazalde and Artiaga said it might be a hard situation, but not impossible to overcome.
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