Behind Lizeth Mejia's smile there's a heartbreaking story that sets her apart from the rest. At 7, she had to cross the border looking for a better life and now, at 18, she faces the fear of not being able to pursue the profession of her dreams. Today, we give a name and a face to this Dreamer who, without a doubt, identifies with the anguish of so many other young immigrants.
Read more ¿Qué más?: I am the face of illegal immigration
Lizeth has gone through the kind of experiences that few young people are able to overcome. The teen from Acapulco, Mexico, crossed the border illegaly when she was 7 years old together with other immigrants whose only goal was to achieve the American dream. According to her, the decision was not hers. Leaving behind her life, her country, her grandparents became a heavy cross to bear, but that was only the beginning. Lizeth worries that her desire to succeed will be cut short by this country's immigration laws.
"I've always worked extra hard to get where I am now. As an ilegal, an immigrant, my biggest fear is not so much that I get deported, but rather losing years of hard work and effort because of a simple [immigration] reform," said Lizeth adding that she doesn't agree with the limited rights Dreamers have been given. "Ever since we got here, my parents have instilled in me the importance of education. That's the reason why I fight, to accomplish what my parents weren't able to, for their sacrifices to be worth something and to be an example for my younger siblings."
This is the story of millions of undocumented young people who were brought to the United States when they were little, who are practically American and who because of a simple document see their dreams and goals hanging by a thread. Despite the disappointments, Lizeth won't give up. The teen gets all emotional just thinking about a carreer in accounting.
"I want to study business administration. I know that at 25 I'll have graduated! I want my siblings to follow my footsteps. I'll be the first one in my family to go to college and that's the most important legacy I can leave behind," she told us.
Lizeth also fights against Latino stereotypes: "Not all young Latinos are troublemakers. Not all Latina girls get pregnant as teens. My battle will leave a footprint, it'll prove there are many Latinos who want to get far."
In all honesty, Lizeth doesn't talk or carry herself as someone her age. She's a mature young woman, with her feet on the ground, who's convinced her immigration status cannot detract her from her goals. The anguish of the unknown, of a possible deportation and even of feeling lesser than others because she's a Dreamer, are no obstacles for her.
"The Dream Act basically puts us in a category that doesn't help us, it makes you feel like less of a person. But I'll keep going forward. My journey will be more difficult, but I won't get tired of fighting for my dreams."
She's only one of hundreds of voices that remain in silence. Her bravery, as she defines it, won't be in vain and she'll do whatever it takes to obtain the scholarships that will help her make her parents' dream a reality. Even though there's a long road ahead of her, I don't doubt for a minute that the name Lizeth Mejia will be synonymous with success and pride for all those other young immigrants who are going through the same thing.
Images via Lizeth Mejía
