Aliento Features: Darlene Peralta

Tell us about yourself.

My name is Darlene Peralta; I attended Pima Community College and graduated with an associate degree in liberal arts in December 2023. My family is originally from Nogales, Sonora Mexico. Alongside my four brothers and my parents, we immigrated to Tucson, Arizona, at the age of 7 after my father suffered a car accident that caused him to lose his right arm. Ever since, we have lived, laughed, cried, and come together in Tucson. Where all my brothers and I have gone to school, met lifelong friends, and continued into higher education. In my free time, I like to make assemblages, collages, and ceramics. I enjoy going to the gym and practicing yoga.

How did you find out about Aliento?

I became involved with organizing when I joined ScholarshipsA-Z. I had saved up for three years to attend community college, but after one semester, I couldn't afford to attend school anymore until I became a fellow with scholarships and learned how to advocate not only for myself but for others as well. Through them, I became connected with the Prop 308 campaign in which I shared my story to advocate for the passing of Prop 308. Through this experience, I felt frustrated and encouraged to continue to advocate for people like my friends, my family, and my community. I first became interested in joining the fellowship because I had seen the work that Aliento had committed to and done with Proposition 308. Through their work, I became inspired and saw an opportunity to become more knowledgeable in state and local policy and be given a space and platform to advocate for my community. To advocate for more, for my mother to drive without fear, and for friends to work for the degree they have so tirelessly studied for, and to allow undocumented individuals like me to thrive and live in the communities we grew up in.

My first meeting was our first cohort meeting, but what truly felt the first time I connected with Aliento was during a hub retreat they had at the beginning of our cohort. There I was able to meet students around Phoenix that have been meeting and connecting towards immigration policy. It felt so reassuring that they were so many other young people that continue to advocate for students like me, 

My first event as a fellow was to advocate for mental health resources for undocumented people. I had technical difficulties and was unable to use my powerpoint but this pushed us to have a conversation about how we deal with mental health as allies, mix-status, and Undocumented people. I felt so safe and comfortable in the space.

Why does the work we are doing matter to you?

The policy that I care about deeply is driver’s licenses for all. Allowing myself and my family and friends to obtain a driver’s license will deeply impact our lives and hundreds of families just like mine. To be able to go to school without fear of deportation, to be able to get milk and eggs for the week without being afraid of the police. We have all lived, loved, and laughed in this community for decades. We all deserve to go to the grocery store, the doctor, and school without fear of separation.

What moments from the fellowship are you most proud of?

I learned so much about immigration policy in Arizona and how much labor and dedication from undocumented people have gone into making things happen in and outside Arizona. For example, seeing the progression of E-day, how each year more and more students join the capital to advocate for Undocumented people, I felt honored and proud to be surrounded by like-minded people who are all fighting for a better future for all of us. 

I learned to be more resilient, over the year of the fellowship I have been pushed to share my story (which is something I wanted to do) but lately it has been harder and harder to push my narrative. Through the fellowship I have learned that it's okay to take a step back and rely on your community, it has made me resilient.

How did Education Day impact you?

Going to Education Day made an enormous impact not only on myself but also on undocumented students on my college campus. I was joined by some of my friends and coworkers at the capital, and at first, we were all terrified. None of us had experienced E-day before, and as undocumented individuals, we felt hesitant to share our stories. However, once we let go of that fear, it became an opportunity that opened doors for all of us. We were able to connect with Senator Gabaldon, which opened the conversation on my college campus to provide school legislation that protects undocumented students.

What is a moment from the fellowship outside of E-day that really impacted you?

Our last cohort meeting was impactful; we had all gathered around and began to review a possible  immigration agenda for 2025. Reading, seeing, and hearing about these plans brought out different emotions in us; we felt frustrated and saddened for our community. Despite how low we felt, it felt safe to express my feelings, and we were all in a space that allowed us to share our anger and sadness and guide it towards joy and community.

How would you describe this fellowship to someone who is looking to apply?

I would describe the fellowship as an opportunity to advocate and connect with the undocumented community, to step up and step down, to talk and listen, and to build community. I was able to do this by joining spaces I would normally be uncomfortable in and stepping into a leadership role. During E-day, I felt intimidated, but I felt I had the skills and support needed to step up as a leader.

What’s next for you?

I was lucky enough to be awarded The Dream.US scholarship. This will allow me to finish my degree and attend the University of Arizona in the fall with a major in history and a minor in chemistry. I hope to continue to a master's degree in textile conservation!