From ‘Dreamers’ to Achievers: Young Immigrants Share Success Stories Amid Political Uncertainty
In the midst of ongoing political uncertainty surrounding their fate, young immigrants are taking matters into their own hands and achieving great success in various fields. Those brought to the United States as children, commonly known as "Dreamers," are defying expectations and pushing boundaries despite the unknown future that lies ahead for them.
In the spring of 2018, President Trump’s administration canceled the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, leaving thousands of young immigrants without protection from deportation and the certainty of their status. While a court battle over the program’s legality continues, these young people have taken the initiative to make a difference in their own ways.
One such example is Diego Sanchez, a 23-year-old undocumented immigrant who was brought to the United States at the age of 7. After his parents’ failed efforts to obtain legal residency, Diego took matters into his own hands, learning coding and web development on his own. Today, he is the founder and CEO of a tech company in New York City, offering web design and development services to small businesses and organizations.
"I knew that technology was the way forward for me," Diego explained. "I couldn’t pursue traditional education or jobs with a deportation order looming over my head. So, I took matters into my own hands and started my own company."
Diego’s story is just one of many success stories being told by young immigrants today. Another example is Andrea Olivas, a 22-year-old from Fresno, California, who arrived in the United States from Mexico at the age of 5. Andrea turned to art as a form of expression and found a platform through social media and local exhibitions. She is now a prominent mural artist in her community, collaborating with local businesses and community groups to create vibrant works of art.
"My journey has not been easy," Andrea said. "I’ve faced discrimination, stereotyping, and fear of deportation. But art has been my solace. It’s given me the strength to speak my mind and share my story, despite the uncertainty of our situation."
In the world of sports, Maria Rios, a 19-year-old soccer player, has made a name for herself on the pitch, becoming the first undocumented player to sign with the Philadelphia Fury, a semi-professional women’s soccer team. Maria’s talent was spotted by a scout after playing in local leagues and has since earned recognition regionally and nationally.
"What motivates me is seeing other young immigrants who don’t have the same opportunities as others," Maria emphasized. "I want to inspire them to keep working towards their goals, to keep pushing boundaries and pushing past the doubts of those around them."
In healthcare, Dr. Omar Gonzales, a 24-year-old from Arizona, is a first-generation Mexican-American physician, set to graduate from medical school at the University of Arizona next year. Omar’s drive to become a doctor stemmed from his mother’s medical struggles and his own health scares as a child, despite being unable to obtain regular medical care due to his undocumented status.
"Pursuing medicine wasn’t an easy decision," Dr. Gonzales shared. "But I knew I wanted to make a difference. I wanted to bridge the gap between language, culture, and access to healthcare for those in underserved communities, particularly Latino families."
As these remarkable stories unfold, young immigrants continue to push the envelope, defying the labels of "Dreamers" and "undocumented." Despite the political uncertainty and constant fear of deportation, they are choosing to carve their own paths, leaving behind a legacy that echoes hope, resilience, and determination.
"We may face uncertain futures, but that’s not going to deter us," said Diego, speaking on behalf of fellow Dreamers. "We are the leaders, thinkers, and creators of our generation. We are building bridges, not borders."
