The story of an undocumented student
Rutgers student Marisol Conde-Hernandez expects to receive a bachelor’s degree in sociology in May. Yet, a time that is typically full of promise and hope for most students is stifled because she is an undocumented immigrant.
Not having a social security number has meant no health care, driver’s license, enrichment programs for which she was academically qualified to attend, scholarships, financial aid, internships, and eventually, it will mean no viable career in her field of study.
Conde-Hernandez, a product of the Princeton and South Brunswick school districts, has been a champion for immigration reform. For the last four years, she has been on a crusade to support the Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors Act (DREAM Act), a federal bill aimed at providing immigration relief to undocumented students. Additionally, she has been an outspoken supporter of a state bill, which based on high school records, permits undocumented students to pay in-state tuition fees.
Conde-Hernandez arrived to the United States with her parents as a baby. Since kindergarten at Littlebrook Elementary School in Princeton, she always had a passion for learning.
“I loved going to the public library,” said Conde-Hernandez. “The librarians were practically friends. One time they even gave me a free book. It was like Christmas.”
Even at such a young age, Conde-Hernandez’s parents didn’t shield her from her undocumented status. Conde-Hernandez would innocently blurt out to her elementary school teachers she didn’t have her “papers.”
Not fully realizing what that meant, Conde-Hernandez lived the dual life typical of many immigrant children. She was submersed in the American culture but saw the world through a Mexican lens. She was from a working-poor family, yet nestled in a wealthy community.
I had all kinds of friends growing up. I knew other families like mine,” said Conde-Hernandez. “I also had friends from affluent families who lived in houses that were like mini mansions. This is why I am able to get along with all kinds of people regardless of their economic class.”
Realizing Conde-Hernandez’s academic potential, her middle school guidance counselor encouraged her to fill out a scholarship administered by Oprah Winfrey. But to apply for the scholarship, Conde-Hernandez needed a social security number. The process came to a screeching halt –as would many other future opportunities and experiences.
In spite of her situation, she maintains a positive outlook.
“I have a solid education. No one can take that away from me, ultimately, I’ll be alright,” says Conde-Hernandez. “My family is a strong support system.”
Conde-Hernandez is the oldest of four siblings, all of whom are American-born citizens.
In the same year Conde-Hernandez became aware of her future challenges, the DREAM Act was introduced. The bill outlined a pathway for undocumented students to become eligible to apply for legal status, placing them on a course toward American citizenship. The main requirements state that students must have entered the United States before age 16. They must spend five continuous years or more in this country; maintain a criminal-free record; graduate from high school or the equivalent; and complete at least two years of college or military service.
There was hope.
In her first semester at Middlesex Community College, Conde-Hernandez became a public advocate for the DREAM Act, as well as a vocal supporter of securing in-state tuition fees for undocumented immigrants. It was Conde-Hernandez’s collaboration with Rutgers’ student organization, Latinos Unidos en Poder, that inspired her to transfer to the university.
Conde-Hernandez’s advocacy work involved sharing her personal testimony before the New Jersey Legislature. She spoke at organizations and rallies and worked with the New Jersey Immigration Policy Network, the Latin American Legal Defense and Education Fund, and the New York State Youth Leadership Council.
Last semester, Conde-Hernandez and other Rutgers students met with university president Richard L. McCormick and members of the administration to discuss in-state tuition fees for undocumented students as well as the DREAM Act. Although the university didn’t change its position on in-state tuition fees, McCormick wrote a letter to Senators Menendez and Lautenberg in support of the DREAM Act – nine New Jersey community colleges followed suit.
In December, the DREAM Act failed to pass in the Senate, 55 to 41. Sixty votes were required.
Conde-Hernandez is determined to continue her fight for immigration reform and affordable higher education for undocumented students.
“I hope that the New Jersey DREAM Act Coalition, an organization I co-founded, will become a central resource for immigrant youth in the state,” she said.
Meantime, her efforts may be gaining momentum again. Recently during the State of the Union address, President Obama called upon the government to resolve the status of undocumented young people in this country - young people like Conde-Hernandez.