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Undocumented, Unafraid, Unapologetic: Supporters Rally In Stamford For Daca

STAMFORD, Conn. — Over 150 people gathered Tuesday evening in Mill River Park — just across from Trump Parc Stamford — to protest President Donald Trump's decision to end DACA, the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals.

Wendy Cardenas is a DACA participant. She is pursuing a bachelor's in health care management and wants to work in the immigrant community.

Wendy Cardenas is a DACA participant. She is pursuing a bachelor's in health care management and wants to work in the immigrant community.

Photo Credit: Karen Tensa
One of the signs in the crowd at the DACA rally in Stamford says, 'Dreamers To Stay, Trump To Go Away. #Impeach.'

One of the signs in the crowd at the DACA rally in Stamford says, 'Dreamers To Stay, Trump To Go Away. #Impeach.'

Photo Credit: Karen Tensa
UConn-Stamford juniors Stefanie Ortiz and Jesica Alarcon show their support for Dreamers. 'I believe everyone deserves a chance at a better life,' Ortiz said. Alarcon said DACA offers 'an amazing opportunity to pursue the American Dream.'

UConn-Stamford juniors Stefanie Ortiz and Jesica Alarcon show their support for Dreamers. 'I believe everyone deserves a chance at a better life,' Ortiz said. Alarcon said DACA offers 'an amazing opportunity to pursue the American Dream.'

Photo Credit: Karen Tensa
Robie Spector of Westport said she came to the rally because her parents were refugees. She believes more immigrants should have the same opportunities in the U.S. as her parents.

Robie Spector of Westport said she came to the rally because her parents were refugees. She believes more immigrants should have the same opportunities in the U.S. as her parents.

Photo Credit: Karen Tensa
One sign at the Stamford rally says, 'Our Dreams Are Not Illegal. #NotMyPresident.'

One sign at the Stamford rally says, 'Our Dreams Are Not Illegal. #NotMyPresident.'

Photo Credit: Karen Tensa
Participants form a circle around the speakers at the rally in Mill River Park in Stamford.

Participants form a circle around the speakers at the rally in Mill River Park in Stamford.

Photo Credit: Karen Tensa

Speakers from Stamford Mayor David Martin to the head of Building One Community vowed to support DACA students and young adults — known as "Dreamers."   

The rally was organized after Trump announced his plan to end DACA — a program that protects from deportation nearly 800,000 young undocumented immigrants nationwide brought to the U.S. as children.

The event was opened by Angel Mendoza, 11, of Bridgeport, who sang “Imagine” as the crowd stood in a circle in the park.

Connecticut is home to over 5,000 Dreamers. Two of them spoke at the Stamford rally. 

Wendy Cardenas told how she moved at age 12 with her family from their native Peru to Stamford. Cardenas adapted to her new home and graduated from Stamford High in 2006. But she could not drive, did not have a Social Security number and found it nearly impossible to attend a four-year university.

Everything changed for Cardenas after she received protection under DACA in 2013. She now works as a parent organizer for Building One Community, which help immigrants and their families succeed, and is pursuing a bachelor's degree in health care administration. 

“It changed my life. I began to dream of a better future for myself and a better way to achieve my goals,” she said. "I want to make a difference here in Stamford, my home. ... I cannot go back to Peru."

Carolina Bortolleto, a DACA recipient and graduate of Western Connecticut State University, moved to Connecticut from Brazil at age 9. She has now lived in the U.S. for 20 years. She spoke in blunt terms, declaring herself "undocumented, unafraid and unapologetic."

"Before DACA, I felt stuck and could not plan for my future," Bortolleto said. "You can dream of the future you want, but cannot plan it because there are so many obstacles in your way."

But with DACA, she said she has a "sense of dignity and belonging," as do other young adults who are able to work, go to college and join the military.   

Bortolleto accused Trump of making a "political decision to inflict pain on us and our families. It's a xenophobic decision to rid this country of anyone who doesn't look like them." 

She vowed to continue to fight for immigrants. 

"Trump wants us to live in silence," Bortolleto said. "But we won't go away quietly — we are here to stay."

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