Aliento Voices: "It almost felt as if my entire life had been leading up to this."
My name is Darian Benitez Sanchez and I am an undocumented student at Brophy College Preparatory. I am one of the 2000 Dreamers who graduate every year from high schools all over Arizona. Since 2006, when Proposition 300 passed, students who have lived and studied their entire lives in Arizona have been denied access to an affordable college education because of their immigration status. The fact that I cannot present the same documentation that my friends can has overshadowed all of my efforts and all of my struggles. No matter how advanced in mathematics I am, no matter how many advanced-placement classes I take, no matter how many hours I dedicate to my education, I have been told that I am not enough.
Education Day consisted of around 50 legislative meetings that were led by high school and college students. Allies spoke on behalf of the friends that they have witnessed struggle in an academic limbo. Undocumented students stepped out of the shadows in order to share the perspectives that very few have taken the time to listen to. We were empowered, a sensation that was so rare to us.
It almost felt as if my entire life had been leading up to this. As if everything I had ever worked for was now being brought to light.
It almost felt as if my entire life had been leading up to this. As if everything I had ever worked for was now being brought to light. People talk about taking action, about speaking up in the face of injustice. So many promises, so many broken promises. But on January 23rd, 300 of us stood up in the midst of confusion and frustration. 300 students from over 30 different schools took it upon themselves to stand with their peers, friends, and family members who have lived their entire lives in a state of uncertainty.
I had the opportunity to speak with one of the representatives at the capitol. Our meeting was a meaningful conversation that allowed me to communicate my experiences with an elected official. I shared with him the urgency of the situation: how students like myself could no longer wait for the opportunity of an education and how the issue at hand is not partisan and needs to be addressed because it is prolonging the necessary growth of the state. Liam Richardson, a senior at Brophy College Preparatory, spoke about the injustices he witnessed throughout his time in high school. Liam shared how he felt that it was not right for someone who has only ever known Arizona as their home to be denied their education. Liam stood by me, motivating me and advocating with me. He understood what I have lived through and the struggles of my parents. A state senator in power also took time to listen to my story. I shared with them one of the many stories of the suffering of undocumented students. As we debriefed our meetings with our legislators, I took time to look at what everyone was doing. The state capitol was filled with students eager to meet with legislators, eager to communicate their emotions and their hopes.
It is important to know that Education Day is not the end of our journey. We are motivated more than ever and our hearts are united in support of those who have been excluded because of their birthplace. Educators are tired of seeing so much potential not be given opportunities. Students no longer want to see their peers be treated unjustly despite being dedicated and capable. There are 2000 undocumented students that graduate every year. It's time to hear their stories. It's time that we are given the opportunity to contribute and work towards Arizona's future.
Darian Benitez
2019 Aliento Fellow
Junior at Brophy College Preparatory
"A person's right to an education is like their right to sustenance. When someone is denied their education, whether directly or indirectly, they are being denied the nourishment and strength they need to defend themselves against other forms of oppression. I am committed to fighting to give undocumented and DACA students the opportunity they need to accomplish their dreams."
Consider supporting our efforts in advocating for Instate Tuition for Dreamers! We have a long road ahead of us for 2020, and we need your help! Donate $10, $25, or $50 so that we can continue advocating for Instate Tuition for Dreamers!
Aliento is a community immigrant organization that is DACA, undocumented and youth-led. We are directly impacted people and allies who are invested in the well being, emotional healing, and leadership development of those impacted by the inequalities of lacking an immigration status. We are based out of Mesa, Arizona.