By Itzel Maganda-Chavez, Civic Engagement Director

For the undocumented community, June 18, 2024 was an emotional day that carried big news and high hopes. President Biden announced that the federal government would use its existing authority to grant ‘parole in place’ to undocumented spouses of U.S. citizens and their children who have been here for at least ten years.

This will allow them to immigrate without having to leave the country and risk separation. It will provide much needed relief to mixed status families. I know all too well the anxiety of living undocumented, especially in the border region. I also know how transformative this announcement will be because I personally benefited from a similar program and am now a proud U.S. citizen.

I came to the United States as a child. My mother envisioned a better future for me and my brother. I grew up here, completed all of my formative school years here, and I graduated from college here; San Diego is the place I have called home for most of my life. When President Obama created the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program in 2012, that opened up an opportunity to build my life and career here. It was a hopeful moment, but I knew that I could not count on staying here forever because my first entry into the U.S. was without a visa. This fine print would bar me from immigrating without first leaving the country and putting me at risk of being separated from my family. When I was approved for a form of parole, similar to the one announced by President Biden, everything changed. Through my husband, who is a U.S. citizen, I was allowed to become a permanent resident, and just recently became a U.S. citizen.

In addition to allowing undocumented spouses and their children to immigrate, the Biden administration announced it will use a different existing authority to grant nonimmigrant visas to DACA recipients and also undocumented individuals who have completed higher education, which could include a university, community college, or another accredited program. Although a nonimmigrant visa is not a permanent solution, it does mean more undocumented people will have an opportunity to stay and live here, contributing to the fabric of our community without the threat of deportation. This visa program, coupled with the parole program, will transform lives and end years of uncertainty for many.

Alliance San Diego stood with me every step of the way in my immigration journey. I joined the team and after many years I now serve as the civic engagement director, helping community members, including new citizens to participate in our democracy. I work alongside our immigration services team, which has been helping community members like me to understand what legal remedies are available to them through individual consultations and workshops. I remember when DACA was first announced twelve years ago. Alliance led the effort to organize collaborative workshops to help thousands of young undocumented immigrants apply for temporary relief. Since then, Alliance has maintained a robust immigration services program, assisting diverse community members from around the county free of charge. With Biden’s announcement, we have the opportunity to help many more, but we need the resources to do so. We are asking for your help. 

With your donation we can meet the moment with readiness and help thousands of San Diegans apply for relief. I am living proof that having a trusted source of help is imperative to every journey to citizenship.

I am grateful for all the support and dedication the Alliance San Diego has offered. Their services are the reason I live free. Please consider making a contribution today.