She Has A Dream: Undocumented Bryn Mawr student turns to activism

from Ali Noorani, Executive Director, National Immigration Forum

South Korean-born Jessica Hyejin Lee was the kind of student colleges dream of enrolling. She excelled in her high school’s demanding International Baccalaureate program, participated in a long list of extracurricular activities, and made many friends at school. However, when college admissions time came around, Jessica – who had applied to 24 schools – was accepted into just one, with no financial aid.

Why would colleges reject such a promising student? Jessica, like thousands of other high-achieving students across the U.S., was undocumented. Her parents brought her and her younger siblings to Los Angeles in 2003 on a six-month tourist visa, to escape the rigid and stifling nature of their home country. They never returned.

Growing up, Jessica says she was really angry at her parents for bringing her to the U.S. illegally. She could not apply for a driver’s license, prestigious internships, or study abroad programs. She felt like she was living in the shadows, unable to act freely or speak openly even with her closest friends.

Today, she tears up talking about the months she spent watching her friends grow excited about their college opportunities, while rejection letters flooded her mailbox. Upon graduating from high school, Jessica wrote an appeal letter to Bryn Mawr College, where she had been wait-listed, and months later received an acceptance. She calls it a miracle.

Just last month, Jessica, now 20 years old and a junior at Bryn Mawr, blurted out her secret to an auditorium packed with professors, administration, and her fellow students. “A lot of people in admissions are worried about me getting deported,” she said. "But I’ve lived this life for eight years. My dreams and the dreams of 12 million people can’t wait anymore."

Jessica, like many Dreamers, has resolved to fight her situation and empower other undocumented immigrant students to speak out. This new year, what is your resolution? Share your hopes for 2012 with us at www.KeepersoftheAmericanDream.org.

Sincerely,

Ali Noorani
Executive Director, National Immigration Forum