When I was searching for a caregiver for my twin toddlers, I met Mia Rodriguez. At that time, my children were just five months old, and managing two infants who couldn’t even sit up was daunting. We were anxious about finding the right person to help us, so we interviewed many candidates. Mia was highly recommended by another mom of twins, and her calm demeanor instantly put us at ease — we knew she was the right fit.
Caring for one baby is challenging enough, but when our son required an orthotic helmet and physical therapy, the situation became overwhelming. I was unsure how we would juggle all the extra appointments, sometimes as many as six a week, alongside our busy lives. However, Mia tackled our son’s special needs with the same unwavering composure she displayed in all her responsibilities. Whether it was handling two babies at storytime or feeding them at the same time, she made everything seem effortless. We felt fortunate that the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program allowed us to employ someone as dedicated as Mia.
Then, unexpectedly, Mia discovered that her DACA status would not be renewed, jeopardizing her ability to live and work lawfully in the U.S. Here are four key insights I gained from this distressing situation.
1. Simple Errors Can Lead to Severe Consequences.
When President Trump announced the termination of the DACA program, he set a deadline for applications on October 5, 2017. To ensure she met the deadline, Mia submitted her application in September. Unfortunately, it was returned due to a missing signature, arriving back to her on the very deadline date. Despite her timely submission, she was told it was too late to reapply. This minor paperwork issue stripped her of her job, her driving privileges, and the freedom to walk the streets without fear of deportation.
2. Collective Responsibility is Crucial.
As a lawyer advocating against discrimination, I felt helpless in this situation. I reached out to my senators, local representatives, and city council members, urging them to take action for Mia and others like her. It’s vital that our elected officials hear from us about the importance of DACA.
3. Inaction Affects Everyone.
Lawmakers have repeatedly had opportunities to address DACA and have consistently failed. This isn’t just a problem for the 800,000 Dreamers; it also impacts families like mine who rely on these dedicated individuals. When their lives are thrown into turmoil, it creates ripples that affect us all.
4. Community Support is Essential.
While we couldn’t resolve Mia’s DACA situation, we committed to holding her position open for two months, which eventually extended to three. The search for alternative childcare was chaotic, and we both missed work to cover gaps. Friends and family stepped in to help, but we knew finding someone as trustworthy and nurturing as Mia would be nearly impossible.
Fortunately, Mia’s story has a positive turn. After a federal court ruled that the decision to end DACA was arbitrary, she was allowed to reapply for her residence and work permit. I eagerly awaited her return, though I worried that the three months apart might cause the kids to forget her.
To my delight, when Mia returned, it was even better than I anticipated. Just a week later, our son took his first steps, and Mia captured the moment on video, encouraging him as he did so. Some may think he was waiting for her return, but I believe it was Mia’s consistent support that helped him achieve that milestone.
As I shared Easter photos of the kids with Mia, President Trump threatened to backtrack on his promise to address DACA. My heart sank, knowing how much we need Dreamers like Mia in our lives. It’s essential that we advocate for them before it’s too late.
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Summary
The experience of losing DACA status profoundly affected Mia Rodriguez, our dedicated caregiver. A simple paperwork error led to her facing deportation, highlighting the precariousness of immigration status. Through community support and advocacy, we learned that the implications of DACA extend beyond the Dreamers themselves, impacting families who rely on them. Mia’s eventual ability to reapply for her status brought joy back into our lives, demonstrating the vital role Dreamers play in our communities.