ALL STORIES
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I am a DREAMER...well almost...
Continue Reading »Meet Gabriela. A DREAMER... well almost... She missed the age-at entry requirement by a couple of months.
After reading her story, don't you think she more than deserves a shot too?
"I, Gabriela Monico, hereby declare as follows: My name is Gabriela Monico. I am a resident of California. I was born in San Salvador, El Salvador. I came to the United States in November 2005 on…
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Done Dreaming
My name is Esmy Jimenez. I was raised in a small town in Washington State known for agriculture and friendly people. I graduated from the local high school as the Senior Class President. I was in National Honor Society and enrolled in all the AP classes my school provided. I even ran on the cross country team and (attempted) to play tennis. On weekends I worked for a catering company…Continue Reading » -
No Papers Necessary.
My name is Pat. My first "American" family member got to these shores in 1621. His name is William Claiborne and there is a plaque dedicated to him in the church at Jamestown. However, the other half of my family is Irish. The Irish side of my family, while I am not certain, very likely arrived here without any papers since they fled here during the famine. So, in that…Continue Reading » -
I am an American, but I live in the shadows...
In 1998, I met my immigrant husband in Chicago while I was in AmeriCorps and going to school. By that time, he had been in the US for almost 10 years--he had earned his GED, learned English, and moved up from his original position as dishwasher to become a kitchen manager. We fell in love. In 2002, we got married in his hometown in Mexico. We were told that petitioning…Continue Reading » -
I Teach Americans. So What?
While sitting at a scholarship pageant, I remember how an idyllic teenage girl explained that her dream was to become a teacher. I was a cynical teen in those days and so I rolled my eyes as her sweet, but very breathy voice tinkled the words, "I believe the children are our future. Teach them well and let them lead the way." I had to chew on the sides of…Continue Reading » -
Defining American is defining yourself
My name is Czarina Trinidad and I define American not as a citizenship or form of paper, but a way of life and a mindset to embrace all the abundant opportunities America has to offer to all who believes in achieving their dreams by working harder and becoming better. I define American as defining yourself as a valuable contributor to the freedom that America is proudly made of - and…Continue Reading » -
Deporting the American Dream
Nancy Landa is an immigrant from Mexico who lived in Los Angeles for 19 years from the age of nine and became the first college graduate in her family. After Nancy graduated, she continued to be a productive citizen and dedicated her professional life to public service with her work with community organizations. She paid her taxes, become civically involved and encouraged others to do the same. As an undergrad…Continue Reading » -
From Colombia to the United States Congress
In 1986, Cesar Henao was only eight years old and living in a small, Colombian town called Pereira, in the Andes Mountains. At the time, Colombia was marked with pockets of extreme violence, culminating in the assassination of four presidential candidates during the 1990 election. Colombia was quickly turning into a hotbed of civil war, dominated by drug cartels. Within the neighborhood of Barrio Kennedy, he was raised by a…Continue Reading » -
Growing up American
I share your sentiments Jose because I too have lived your journey. I came to New York at the age of 15 and lived there undocumented until I was 32 years old. I did everything American children were doing. I enrolled in high school and did well. I went to college and earned an AA and BA. I worked and worked very hard and never asked for any handouts. I…Continue Reading » -
My Dreamer and I
I met the love of my life in high school. We both played soccer and excelled at school. After he graduated he had plans to go to college and become an engineer. He even had a full ride to a major university! That was all taken away from him when officials discovered he was undocumented. Maybe that was the best thing though, because shortly after we started dating in November…Continue Reading » -
Sen. Harry Reid Defines American
Senate Majority Leaders Harry Reid of Nevada describes what he thinks of when asked to define “American”: “My wife’s father: born in Russia. My mother in law – extraction: Lithuanian. My grandmother from England. So when we hear all this talk about immigration, and it’s not good for the country, well, it’s been good for me. And I think it’s good for the country... it sets us apart from any…Continue Reading » -
The American Dream
I truly believe in the American Dream and I've spent most of my adult life working for America. I was born here, served in the military and became disabled, became an immigration officer and worked for FEMA. When I was an immigration officer, I thought a lot about what it meant to me to be a citizen. Most of us take it for granted. We were born here and we…Continue Reading » -
American, Americans
I, like many children of the baby boomer generation were part of a great assimilation experiment; we were taught to speak only English and punished if we spoke Spanish or any other language in school. Consequently growing up in Denver Colorado became a confusing experience. At home my parents spoke English and Spanish, listened to music by Frank Sinatra, Perry Come and the Trio Los Panchos. We ate tortillas, beans…Continue Reading » -
Eliana Defines American
Eliana defines American and says "you can't really pin point what makes and American."Continue Reading » -
Megan Defines American
Megan, a student at University of Alabama in Birmingham, defines American. She is an American citizen.Continue Reading » -
Went to College, got my BA, volunteered in the community, working on MBA and under Deportation Proceedings
Garden Grove, CA 11/16/11 Greetings, my name is Victor Escobar and I am a ‘DREAMer’. I have lived in the US since age 13, I am now 24. I have gone to Junior High, High School, Junior College, and College. I graduated with a 3.5 GPA in Pre-Law from Chico State University in 2009. My goal was to attend law school after graduation but was prevented due to my legal…Continue Reading » -
The Lives of Real Americans
Being an American is taking pride in your country whether you have live in America your whole life or not. An American is proud to be here and doesn't feel they belong anywhere else. A proper American would put there knowledge 100% in to their daily life. I feel the statement American covers both South and North America.Continue Reading » -
My America
MY DEFINITION OF AMERICA My mother brought me to America when I was in my teens, she wanted a better a life for me, more opportunities to succeed without repression. My husband’s ancestors came from Ireland and Italy. My grandmother always used to tell me, “Mija (child) cuando the vallas a los New Yores, (when you leave to New York) you are going to see wonders! There the buildings are…Continue Reading » -
Life is Not Fair so Appreciate What You Have
It was on my 14th birthday that we left Canada for a new life in the United States. My parents were not the kind to plan and do things by the book so we simply entered the US as tourists, driving across the border with the bare minimum of necessities so as not to arouse suspicion. Our belongings were scattered amongst several cars driven by friends and family who we…Continue Reading » -
22 Years
I arrive to California at the age of 14, I was afraid.. It was a nightmare I was rape, while crossing I had no clue of what was going on. I made it over the border after a couple months I was enrolled in school, thanks to a lovely Woman name Shelly; thanks to her I Finnish high school. Enrolled in college finish all my education while working two jobs,…Continue Reading » -
Teaching While Undocumented
January 2011 “When was the last time you visited México?” I feel my body tense up when I hear my coworker’s question. I normally enjoy our lunchtime teacher conversations, but not when I have to evade questions like these. “It’s been a long time… years.” I play it off. “Oh, I bet you miss it. You should try going this summer!” suggests another teacher. “Yea, if I don’t teach summer…Continue Reading » -
Love Without Borders
On December 31st 2006, at 11:59 PM I received a phone call from a boy. A boy who asked me to be his girlfriend. At the time I, Ashley Sims, was in my sophomore year of high school and the boy, Michael Pecina, was also in his. This is our story. I remember dropping the phone and running down the hallway of my best friend's house yelling at the top…Continue Reading » -
A hard choice
Four generations ago two German brothers Ernest and Herman, 15 and 17 years old, left everything they knew and everyone they loved in order to avoid the draft of the Germa army, and to find a better life in America. They stowed away on a ship, trekked across the country and then in 1893 took part in the largest land run in history. This sounds like a book or movie,…Continue Reading » -
A Matter of Faith
My mother came here with $5 in her pocket. She believed that through hardwork, sacrifice, and a commitment to personal responsibility she would succeed. Everyday she wakes up at 5 am and abides by those values, sometimes working two jobs to make ends meet and to provide a good education to me and my younger sister. After five years of separation, my mom decided that it was time for me…Continue Reading » -
Defining American
If I got technical, I'd have to say an American is anyone born in the United States, Mexico, North, Central or South America. My history teacher in High School back in the late 80's told me that "my people" needed to wake up. I did not idetify myself as "those people" I felt I was "AMERICAN" and had nothing to worry about when it came to immirgation or it's laws.…Continue Reading » -
Working for the Dream Act as an American Citizen
my story; I am an American Citizen who worked for many months to help get the California Dream Act passed. I believe the "fence" needs to be redesigned to allow those who want to give their talents to America the chance to. Children should remain with their parents; and parents should be allowed to watch their children give back to what was given to them. If we, as a country,…Continue Reading » -
Passport to Heaven
Everyone has a story and It seems like I have two- the real one and the superficial one. My story is lived by 2 million Americans- well, not so American. I am 24 years old and have been residing in the United States illegally since I was 8. This fact has shaped the way I have lived my life, but not the way I have dreamed about it. When I…Continue Reading » -
Victor Defines American
Victor is 19 years old and lives in the suburb of Birmingham, Alabama. He moved to the U.S. from Mexico 13 years ago when he was 6. Victor wants to be a history teacher.Continue Reading » -
Northwest Yeshiva High School Defines American
With my juniors, I'm teaching American Literature, and I realized very early on that I can't teach American Literature without getting to the heart of what that word "American" means. We did an exercise where I asked them what does it mean to be American. So if we stop being everybody, and we start being everybody except "blank," especially if "blank" is a particular shade of person, I think we…Continue Reading » -
Julie Erfle: What Makes Us American
After my husband's death, many had hoped that I, a white, middle class woman, would heed the call for punitive and enforcement-only immigration policies. But that's a band-aid. One that fails to address the underlying problems, or offer any type of long term solutions. Instead it creates a wedge issue, one that encourages division, and fear, and myths, and shuts down the very dialogue that could bring about solutions. I…Continue Reading » -
Chris Weitz - How I Define American
I don't define American by a bloodline that reaches back to the Mayflower. The way that I define American is by being aware of the hard work that people have done to make this country great, understanding that I have not achieved success on my own, that the highways that I drive on, the house that I live in, the food that I eat is brought to me by people…Continue Reading » -
Reshma Saujani Defines American
Reshma Saujani is an Indian-American lawyer and political entrepreneur. She was the first Indian-American woman (and the first South Asian American woman) to run for Congress.Continue Reading » -
Benjamin Patton Defines American
Benjamin Patton is the grandson of World War II's General George S. Patton Jr.and son of Major General George S Patton. This is how Benjamin defines AmericanContinue Reading » -
Russell Simmons Defines American
USA Today recently named Russell Simmons one of the Top 25 Most Influential People of the Past 25 Years, honored for his groundbreaking vision that has influenced music, fashion, finance, television and film, as well as the face of modern philanthropy. He has been instrumental in bringing the powerful influence of hip-hop culture to every facet of business and media since its inception in the late 1970s. This is how…Continue Reading » -
How Jose Defines American
I define American as someone who works hard ...who's proud of this country and wants to contribute. ...who's not a burden on anyone.Continue Reading » -
National Immigration Integration Conference Defines American
Participants at the National Immigration Integration Conference Define AmericanContinue Reading » -
John Maeda: What it Means to be an American
John Maeda is the president of the Rhode Island School of Design. He is a Japanese-American author, graphic designer, computer scientist, university professor, and was named one of the 21 most important people in the 21st century by Esquire magazine. His work in design and technology explores the area where the two fields merge. This is how he sees what it means to be an American.Continue Reading » -
@Digiphile on America, Shared Values, and Immigration
Alexander B. Howard is the Government 2.0 Correspondent for O’Reilly Media, where he reports on technology, open government and online civics. These are his thoughts on America, shared values, and immigrationContinue Reading » -
Sen. Michael Bennet (CO) shares his definition of "American"
Senator Michael Bennett (CO) is is an American businessman, lawyer, and politician. He is currently the junior United States Senator from Colorado, and a member of the Democratic Party. He previously worked as managing director for the Anschutz Investment Company, chief of staff to Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper, and the superintendent of Denver Public Schools.Continue Reading » -
Mayor Paul Bridges shares his definition of "American"
Republican Mayor Paul Bridges is one of more than a dozen plaintiffs suing Georgia and its governor, trying to stop the state's new immigration law. They won a reprieve in July when a federal judge temporarily blocked parts of the law scheduled to go into effect July 1, 2011.Continue Reading » -
Jeff Hawkins shares his definition of "American"
Jeff Hawkins is the inventor of the Palm Pilot and a long-time mogul in Silicon Valley. This is how he defines "American."Continue Reading » -
Stephen Colbert Defines American
How does Stephen Colbert define "American?" He just looks in the mirror.Continue Reading » -
Sen. Robert Menendez (NJ) on his definition of "American"
Senator Menendez was born on New Year's Day in New York City to Cuban immigrants who left their homeland a few months earlier, in 1953, seeking economic and political freedom from the repressive government headed by Fulgencio Batista. His father, Mario, was a mechanic and his mother, Evangelina, a seamstress. The family subsequently moved to neighboring New Jersey. In 2006, Sen. Menendez was appointed to the United States Senate. Prior…Continue Reading » -
Julia Duperrault: Defining American
Julia shares her definition of "American."Continue Reading » -
Pay Hyland: Defining American
Pat Hyland is a Bay Area native. Born in Palo Alto and a graduate of San Jose State University, Pat has spent her life living in, and loving, Santa Clara County. During her studies at SJSU, she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Management, a teaching credential in business, an Administrative Services credential, and holds a Master’s in Educational Leadership. Teaching holds a special place in Pat’s heart, and…Continue Reading » -
Elisa Camahort Page: How I Define American
Elisa is the co-founder and COO of the extraordinary network of women bloggers, BlogHer.com This is how she defines "American."Continue Reading » -
Ebong Eka - How I Define American
Ebong is also a tax and small business expert who frequently appears on MSNBC, Fox News, Fox Business Channel, NBC and CNN. This is how he defines "American."Continue Reading » -
Eli Pariser - How I Define American
Eli is the former executive director of MoveOn.org and is the current board president. He is the author of the book "The Filter Bubble." This is how he defines "American."Continue Reading » -
Craig Newmark: How I Define American
Hi, I'm Craig Newmark, the founder of Craigslist and the new philanthropic site "CraigConnects.org." This is how I define "American:" I define American as playing fair with everyone. I define American as treating people like I'd like to be treated. It's good to remember that. I think that's what our country is about.Continue Reading » -
My chronicles as an undocumented
My story starts with single mother with a small child who happens to be born in Mexico. My name is Erika, I am that small child. My mother decided to give me a better life and she left me with my grandmother at a very young age. She moved to the U.S and would send money so I could go to a private school. By the time I was nine…Continue Reading » -
They call us criminals but we've done nothing wrong
I'm an undocumented immigrant ,yet I have a 4.0 honor student in college. Yes College, how I pay for school when I can't even get a loan easy Wend-Sunday I work from 4:30 pm till 4:30 am none stop. I attend class like anybody else I buss my ass studying working and making ends meet for my family. Im the second child of five. Giving up for me is not…Continue Reading » -
I am a Californian
I love America. I have loved it ever since I stepped foot in this country, when I was thirteen. From my phone conversations with my immigrant uncle, I always heard about how great this country is, how nice the people are, how full of opportunities and top notch education she offers. So, when my father decided to apply for a tourist visa, I was on cloud nine...I would finally be…Continue Reading » -
American Opportunity and Progression
I come from parents who are natives of Mexico. I come from a father with a 3rd grade education and a mother with a diploma from a Catholic Convent, though my parents both were living in the United States when they met. They started a life together in one of Los Angeles County's many immigrant enclaves, and I was meant to be an American born success story. Unfortunately, due to…Continue Reading » -
Our story also has to do with heartless immigration policy
I am ashamed of my country for many of it's heartless immigration policies and I am a strong supporter of "The Dream Act" and immigration reform on many levels. My/our story is also has to do with heartless immigration policy I'm a gay man. Have been all my life. I have learned the hard way that when you are a US citizen and you fall in love with someone of…Continue Reading » -
What is in the melting pot?
No one ever really talks about what is in the Great American Melting Pot. I am here to tell you it is beans! We got black beans, lima, pinto, red, green, white! Each bean I mentioned you know represents a natonality. What a great pot we got brewing. Now that I got your attention, let me tell you the questions polititians should be asking and addressing. We should as legal…Continue Reading » -
Long 6 years without my husband and boys without their father!
HI MY NAME IS MARGARET SOTO OR PEGGY IS WHAT EVERYONE CALLS ME. HERE IS MY STORY. MY HUSBAND WAS CAUGHT HERE IN THE US IN AUGUST OF 2OO5. HE WAS GIVEN 2 CHOICES TO EITHER LEAVE VOLUNTARILY OR THEY WOULD DEPORT HIM UNVOLUNTARILY..HE CHOSE TO GO VOLUNTARILY. WE WERE TOLD HE WOULD BE ABLE TO RETURN BACK HERE TO ME AND OUR BOYS IN 6 TO 9 MONTHS. BUT…Continue Reading » -
From here and from there...
I was the first in my family to go to high school and receive a diploma and the only one who has gone further on to college. My parents immigrated into the United States, like many other families, seeking for job opportunities that would allow them to provide my brothers and I with choices they did not have. I began my college education knowing of the importance of social justice…Continue Reading » -
Why?
At the end of 2006, I was at salsa night at a club in Denver. The handsomest man I have ever seen asked me to dance. We danced all night long, at the end of the night I asked for his name and number and told him that I was looking for a dance partner. We started dancing all the time, and I started showing him all my favorite parts…Continue Reading » -
Candelario A Young Immigrant Story
I came to the US at age 9 from Honduras to escape Hurricane Mitch and find my mother. After 8 years we still have trouble getting a TPS visa from the US government. I have a 4.0 GPA, work hard and am ready for college. Please watch my compelling video on Youtube.com. Click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QpqvnM_IqFs Thanks, CandelarioContinue Reading » -
America - My New Home
My name is Ashni Bhojwani and I am twelve years old. I moved to Florence S.C. on April 2nd, 2010 from a small country named Belize in Central America. Life in America is completely different from life in Belize. For example, there is a different environment, and an amazing educational opportunity to live in this country. I have had an amazing chance to advance in my education. I am in…Continue Reading » -
My life as a third class citizen in America
18 January 2012 | Joseph Choi ive always wanted to share my story with other people but i could never find the courage within myself to do do. my story is somewhat similar to the found per of this website Jose antonio Vargas and here is my story.. Unlike Jose I came to this country legally but like Jose Ive also become an undocumented immigrant due to overstaying the visa.…Continue Reading »