Lo siento. I’m sorry.
I wish I had the power to console every single one of you, both here at UTSA and wherever you may be.
Me gustaría darles a cada uno un abrazo bien fuerte por lo que an pasado.
I’m so sorry that this “administration” has forgotten what the American Dream stands for, that they do not understand the extent your padres inmigrantes went through to provide a better life for you, that it may feel like no one in the world cares. But I promise you this much, you are wanted here. This is your home, and you deserve to be here just as much as anyone else. Son trabajadores, son luchadores, but most of all, son soñadores. You are dreamers.
I may not be able to fully understand just how you feel right now, but as a first generation Chicana, I know that now more than ever, you should be proud of your roots. Embrace the rich culture that you’ve been passed down, keep your head high, speak the native tongues that cannot be tamed, and stand up. The fight for DACA hasn’t been lost; this is only the beginning of a movement to provide you with a secure home that you all deserve. Just know that you are not alone in this fight and there are thousands of people standing in solidarity with you, not just on campus, but nationwide. My words may not be much, but I hope to at least provide you with a small sense of comfort in the midst of a confusing time. For now, please rush to renew your permits, do your research as many non-profit organizations are holding renewal clinics with helpful information to help you. If you are not a DACA recipient, call your state and federal representatives and voice your outrage, but most importantly, VOTE. This is no longer a political issue, but a human rights and morally incorrect problem brewing right before our eyes. As citizens, it is not just a privilege but a duty to vote in order to speak for those who do not have the opportunity to do so.
And to all of the DREAMers, ustedes son las semillas hechas de los esfuerzos y sacrificios de sus padres. You are the seeds made from the efforts and sacrifices of your parents. You will thrive in the face of adversity, and I can only wait to see what the history books will say about your strength and courage you all have.
Much love,
Me and literally every decent human being ever.