I first met Jessica Martinez while searching for a nanny for our twin daughters. At the time, they were just five months old, and managing two infants was quite the challenge. We had compiled a list of interview questions and met with numerous candidates, but when Jessica came highly recommended by a close friend, we immediately felt that she was the right fit for our family.
Caring for one baby is no easy feat, and that responsibility grew even more daunting when we discovered our son needed an orthotic helmet and physical therapy. As a parent, I felt completely overwhelmed, unsure of how we would juggle multiple specialist appointments each week alongside our daily routines.
Jessica, however, approached our son’s needs with an unwavering calmness that defined her work. Whether it was wrangling the twins during storytime or managing simultaneous feedings, she handled it all with grace. As parents, we were grateful for the support provided by the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, which allowed us to hire her.
Then, unexpectedly, Jessica learned that her DACA status would not be renewed, jeopardizing her ability to live and work legally in the U.S. This experience opened my eyes to several harsh realities:
- Paperwork Mistakes Can Have Serious Consequences. When President Trump announced the termination of the DACA program, the application deadline was set for October 5, 2017. To ensure she met the deadline, Jessica submitted her application in September. Unfortunately, it was returned due to a missing signature, arriving back on the very day that applications were no longer accepted. Despite her timely submission, a minor administrative error cost her everything—her job, driver’s license, and even her peace of mind.
- We All Have a Role to Play. As a lawyer who advocates against discrimination, I felt powerless in that moment. I reached out to our senators and local representatives, urging them to address the plight of DACA recipients like Jessica. It’s crucial for our elected officials to understand the importance of DACA and its impact on families.
- The DACA Stalemate Impacts Us All. Lawmakers have repeatedly failed to resolve the DACA issue, which doesn’t only affect the 800,000 Dreamers but also the many families like mine who depend on them. When the lives of these individuals are thrown into chaos, it has a ripple effect on everyone connected to them.
- Community Support is Vital. We couldn’t solve Jessica’s DACA situation, but we committed to holding her job for her while she navigated this uncertainty. What started as a two-month hold turned into three months of hectic childcare arrangements. We relied on family members and friends to step in, but we knew no one could replace Jessica’s unique ability to connect with our children.
Fortunately, Jessica’s story took a positive turn when a federal judge ruled against the termination of DACA, allowing her to reapply for a work permit. As excited as I was for her return, I was also apprehensive—three months is a significant time in a toddler’s life. Would they remember her?
Our reunion exceeded all expectations. Just a week after she came back, our son took his first steps, and in the video she captured, you can hear her cheering him on. Some might say he was waiting for her, but the truth is her consistent support was the key to his achievement.
On Easter Sunday, I sent Jessica adorable pictures of the kids in bunny ears, while the political landscape shifted again as President Trump threatened to abandon any promise of DACA reform. My heart sank at the thought.
As a family, we recognize how much we need Dreamers like Jessica, and I sincerely hope that lawmakers in Washington come to this realization before it is too late. For those looking to expand their families in different ways, exploring options like artificial insemination could provide valuable insights. To learn more about this, check out our other blog post on the CryoBaby at-home insemination kit and for further reading on reproductive treatments, visit WebMD’s excellent resource on pregnancy and home insemination.
Summary
This article reflects on the personal journey of a family whose nanny, a DACA recipient, faced the loss of her legal status. It highlights the profound impact of immigration policy on families, the challenges of navigating bureaucratic obstacles, and the importance of community support during uncertain times. Ultimately, it underscores the essential role that Dreamers play in the lives of American families.