Gloria was born in Romita, Guanajuato, MX. At just six months old, she immigrated to the U.S. with her mom and older brother to reunite with her father — who had already been working a stable job in the states for some time. She is now a mother of two beautiful kids and, despite the hurdles that have come her way, she is determined to persevere for her children.
How did living undocumented make you feel?
I think that growing up I didn’t think much of it. I feel that when I had my first kid is when it hit me. There is always so much talk about how DACA will end and I fear that I can get deported and sent back to a country that I know I’m from, but know nothing about. Becoming a mom is when I had a reality check of my status. I am scared of being separated from my kids.
When you obtained DACA status how did your life change?
I was able to work legally. Also obtaining my driver's license was a big deal I didn’t have to be scared of getting pulled over and not having one.
Do you recall how you felt last election, and what that could mean to DACA recipients?
I was scared. Scared of not knowing what could happen next. Having DACA is a big relief and getting that taken away is something that makes me nervous.
What is something you are the proudest of so far and why?
When I got pregnant the first time I dropped out of high school because my dad had passed away that same year. I felt like I had too much shit going on. But I went back. I got pregnant again, but this time I stuck through it. I’m proud to say that I graduated high school with honors and walked that stage with both of my kids alongside me.
What is something you are hoping to accomplish in the future?
I want to go to college and become a medical assistant. That is my goal.
How will losing DACA affect you?
I would lose the ability to have a driver’s license and work.
Why do you think it is important to share your story and speak up?
Because there are a lot of people that are scared and in a way you are speaking up for those people that might not be getting heard.
What is something you wish more people knew about immigrants/DACA recipients?
We are not bad people. We are humans just like anyone else. We want a better future for our family, our kids, ourselves.
What message do you have for undocumented folks/DACA recipients?
Regardless of what happens, we should never give up. We should all unite and never lose faith. Better things will come.
