When I first met Jessica Martin, we were on the hunt for a nanny for our twins. At the time, our little ones were just five months old, and it felt like a daunting task to care for them simultaneously. They were unable to hold their own bottles or sit up, which meant feeding time was a real challenge. After interviewing numerous candidates, we found Jessica through a recommendation from another mom of twins. Instantly, we knew she was the right fit for our family.
Caring for one infant is no small feat, but Jessica’s job became even more demanding when our son required an orthotic helmet and physical therapy. I was completely overwhelmed by the thought of managing multiple appointments—sometimes as many as six in a week—on top of our regular routines. Yet, Jessica handled our son’s special needs with a remarkable sense of calm. Whether it was managing two infants during storytime or feeding them both at once, she made it all seem effortless. As parents, we were grateful that the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program allowed us to employ someone as talented and dedicated as Jessica.
Then, out of nowhere, Jessica received the news that her DACA status would not be renewed. She was about to lose her legal right to live and work in the U.S.
Four Important Lessons Learned
- A Simple Paperwork Error Can Have Huge Consequences.
When President Trump announced the cessation of the DACA program, he set a deadline for applications on October 5, 2017. Jessica, wanting to be ahead of the game, mailed her application in September. Unfortunately, it was returned to her due to a missing signature, and in a cruel twist, it arrived back on the very deadline day. Although she initially thought she was safe, she was later informed that it was too late to reapply. A minor paperwork oversight led to the loss of her job, her driver’s license, and her sense of security. - It’s Up to All of Us to Take Action.
Despite my professional background as a lawyer who fights against discrimination, I felt helpless in this situation. I reached out to my senators, congresswoman, and local city officials, urging them to advocate for Jessica and others facing similar circumstances. It’s vital that our elected representatives understand the importance of DACA and its impact on countless families. - The DACA Crisis Impacts Us All.
Since last fall, lawmakers have had several opportunities to address the DACA issue but have failed each time. This is a significant problem that doesn’t only affect the 800,000 Dreamers but also the families who depend on them, like mine. When their lives are disrupted, it creates ripples that affect us all. - Community Support is Crucial.
While we couldn’t resolve Jessica’s DACA status, we could at least promise to hold her position for a couple of months. What started as two months turned into three, and the search for alternative childcare was chaotic. Family, friends, and even my spouse’s boss helped out, but no one could match Jessica’s reliability and nurturing nature.
Fortunately, Jessica’s story has a hopeful conclusion. After a federal judge deemed President Trump’s decision to end DACA arbitrary, she was able to reapply for her residence and work permit. I was thrilled for her return but also anxious. Three months is a long time in a toddler’s life—would they remember her?
To my delight, the reunion was even better than I had hoped. A week after her return, our son took his first steps, and Jessica captured the moment on video, encouraging him all along. Some friends believe he was waiting for her, but I know that her consistent support was what helped him achieve that milestone.
On Easter Sunday, I sent Jessica some pictures of the kids in bunny ears, while in the background, President Trump tweeted ominously about DACA being “dead.” It was a sobering moment for my family, as we recognize that we, too, depend on Dreamers like Jessica. I just hope that Washington will realize their value before it’s too late.
In summary, Jessica’s experience highlights the fragility of legal status and its far-reaching implications. It underscores the importance of community support and the necessity for action in the face of political challenges affecting vulnerable individuals.