My Harsh Reality and +700,000 Others

I shared this first on Facebook and then Instagram. I wanted to put it on my blog site as well. Original Facebook Post

tldr; A vote for Donald Trump is a vote against my future. Think of those in less fortunate circumstances and vote in their best interest, please.

The attached image is my reality. I live with an expiration date on my ability to contribute to the US. I also cannot leave and return to this country. Some of you may say good riddance, some may tell me, “I’m really sorry,” but how many of you will take action to help me and over 700,000 others in this circumstance? Please, get out and vote for change!

I have lived a life of uncertainty. The only thing I have known for sure has been the expiration date of my DACA status.

I do not have a pathway to citizenship. I was brought to the US because of a dream my parents had. I don’t know why it is illegal to want a better life for your children, but it is. I do not want amnesty. I want to earn my 13 stripes and 50 stars. I’ve tried to do that all my life. I have a BA in Math with a minor in Computer Engineering. I have worked since the age of 14. I love giving back to my community and helping out those less fortunate than myself. I am currently actively involved with 5 different organizations.

My reality is that I can’t leave the country I’ve grown up since the age of 3, a baby, without knowing I can return to it. A country I now love and only want the best for it.

Whether you accept it or not Donald Trump’s political stance is to kick me and my parents out and leave my siblings without their older brother, mother, or father.

I have contributed over $30,000 in taxes in the past 3 years.
I have paid over $2000 to the government through my DACA application fees.
I have put over $200,000 into the US economy through rent, car, medical, dental, vision and day to day purchases since having DACA.
My Bachelor’s degree cost over $125,000

I got a free public education until high school. That doesn’t mean I got school supplies, housing, food, medical, and any other costs paid for by the government. My parents took care of that.

If the average cost of raising a child is somewhat accurate, my parents invested over $200,000 into the US economy by raising me.

If your argument is that undocumented immigrants are living in “your” country for free, please tell me how I can do that. I haven’t seen someone walking out to undocumented immigrants and giving them things for free.

I have worked for what I have and I just want to be able to continue doing that.

Full image below: