Exploring Arizona’s immigration process and DACA impact

The fourth in a series of segments compiled as a collaboration between the Center for the Future of Arizona (CFA) and Arizona PBS, this segment centered around immigration and how it works in Arizona.

CFA surveyed Arizonans about what kind of Arizona they would like to see. The survey results unearthed seven shared values amongst Arizonans. CFA then did a deeper dive and looked at ways to take action and make Arizona more fair and equitable for all.

This segment followed Reyna Montoya, a DACA recipient who was brought to the U.S. by her parents after fleeing Tijuana and the dangers facing their family. Montoya graduated high school in Arizona and went on to ASU.

Montoya must renew her DACA status every year and face the possibility of being sent back to Mexico. Montoya eventually founded Aliento AZ, a non-profit committed to helping all DACA recipients.

Aliento AZ catalyzed the passing of Proposition 308. This allowed DACA recipients, who met certain criteria, to be eligible for in-state tuition at state and community colleges. It also allowed these recipients to be eligible for financial aid.

Evelyn Cruz, Executive Director of the Immigration Law Clinic at Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law, joined “Arizona Horizon” to discuss how immigration laws are made and enforced.

”Our whole motto is to transform trauma into hope and action. To support children and youth that grew up just like me who have dreams and aspirations” Montoya said.

”I didn’t know how to speak English when I first moved here and middle school was already hard enough so being different you don’t want the spotlight and I just remember crying and praying to God to stop this and stop feeling so isolated.” Montoya said.