Success Story: Brenda’s Permanent Residence Journey

For twelve years, Brenda lived in a state of limbo. While the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program offered a temporary reprieve from deportation and the ability to work, it was a fragile shield. For Brenda, who has been in the United States since she was just four years old, the constant uncertainty was a heavy burden to bear. This country is the only home she has ever known.

The Daily Weight of DACA

Living with DACA means navigating persistent anxiety. Recipients are often described as being "always on the chopping block," their ability to live and work in the U.S. subject to political shifts and court rulings. This precarious status threatens to take away their livelihood at a moment's notice. The stress is immense, not just for the individual, but for their entire family. Brenda has relatives who also have DACA and may not have a pathway to the security of permanent residency, a reality that compounds the emotional toll.

A New Chapter: The Stability of a Green Card

Thanks to the dedicated legal support of our team at CLIA, Brenda’s story has taken a turn toward stability. She has successfully obtained Legal Permanent Residency, commonly known as a green card. This is the crucial step before she can apply for citizenship.

This new status is life-changing. Unlike the temporary protection of DACA, her residency is permanent. She can no longer be deported and now has the freedom to travel outside the United States — and return. After years of uncertainty, Brenda feels an immense sense of relief and security in her home.

Navigating a Complex Path

Brenda’s journey to a green card was not a simple one. The process, which CLIA initiated with her in 2020, took five years to complete due to its complexity. Executive Director Mary Choate guided Brenda through each step, from filing the initial petition to preparing for the final green card interview.

Recognizing the financial barriers that can prevent access to justice, CLIA provided these comprehensive legal services for a low-cost, nominal fee based on a sliding scale of Brenda's income.

A Pillar of Her Community

Throughout this long and emotionally taxing process, Brenda has been an integral part of her Nebraskan community. A wife and a mother to three children, she works full-time as a caregiver. Like all DACA recipients, she has at least a high school diploma and has been a contributing member of our society while building her life here.

Why Your Support Matters

Brenda’s story is a powerful testament to resilience, but it also underscores a critical need. Not every DACA recipient has a pathway to legal permanent residency. We advocate for the government to create more stable and accessible pathways for the thousands of DACA recipients who, like Brenda, have spent the vast majority of their lives in this country.

Your support makes it possible for CLIA to provide the low-cost, expert legal services that turn stories of anxiety into stories of security. By donating, you help us assist more community members like Brenda on their journey to permanent stability. You can learn about ways to give to CLIA here: https://www.clianeb.org/donate

We also urge you to call your representatives and advocate for more legal pathways to residency for DACA recipients who are, in every meaningful way, already home.