Soapbox: Word 'illegal' undermines student's hard work

I am writing this letter for a student I mentor and admire for her dedication and commitment to her education. She can't sign it because she is undocumented, and she and I fear that the backlash against her would be too great. She is currently a student at CSU. Her journey into this country was not her decision. It was a choice made for her when she was very small. Yet once she arrived, as a very young child, she became as American as anyone who was born here. This is her letter, and her story:

"My journey coming to CSU as an undocumented student was one of my hardest battles. I always knew I was not a citizen, but I did not recognize what that really meant until I reached high school. There, I was taking higher level courses with a 3.75 GPA. When my peers became excited about getting driver's licenses, going to France and receiving acceptance letters from universities, I was unable to share the excitement. Suddenly, my whole outlook on life changed. How was I supposed to support myself at even the most basic level without a driver's license or Social Security number? How could I ever attend a prestigious institute of higher education like CSU when all my opportunities were eliminated? I was unable to apply for scholarships or loans, and if I applied to college, I would be charged at the exceptionally high international student rate. I began to question my purpose in life.

"I knew that I could never return to Mexico. The United States is my country and my home. But I found myself with no options.

"In 2012 President Obama issued an executive order granting students a temporary status called Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). In 2013 the Colorado Legislature passed the ASSET bill granting undocumented students in-state tuition. Suddenly my life turned around. I was able to work, lawfully drive a car and continue my education.

"These basic privileges that many take for granted were the biggest blessings of my life. I am attending CSU full time, and I work five days a week. I get exceptional grades, and I have received scholarships.

"To call me 'illegal' is to undermine my hard work, and discredit my abilities as student, and an asset to our country and economy. When I heard the name of the restaurant 'Illegal Pete's,' it felt like all the doors that had closed in my face were closed again. I recognize that this restaurant does not mean to offend, but derogatory language used openly in a public place opens the door for continued racism. Racism is not a thing of the past. I realize that those who have never experienced discrimination won't recognize the importance of the issue. Words and the way they're used matter.

"I am capable, ambitious and an asset in our community. The word 'illegal' criminalizes and dehumanizes me. I have loved this country as my own and will continue to do so. I hope those who have never experienced hate and discrimination can at least recognize what this word does to all of us."

Guadalupe Salazar, Ph.D., is the director of El Centro and a mentor to Lorena.