AFTER years of delay, President Obama has finally acted on immigration reform. This is a watershed moment in my life and the life of my community in Seattle. These days I am studying for a doctor of medicine degree at Harvard Medical School, after graduating from the University of Washington in 2011. But I grew up undocumented in Seattle. <\/p>\n
I was 5 years old when my family embarked on a journey from Mexico to the land of opportunity. They chose Seattle because we had relatives in the area. We eventually settled in the Delridge neighborhood near White Center. <\/p>\n
Despite my parents numerous attempts to obtain a green card, they found no viable option. With their choice to remain and endure came a sense of fear and uncertainty as illegal aliens, a status that marred our every connection with the world. Despite working six days a week in low-paying jobs offering no benefits, my parents had trouble providing for my family. At school I was perpetually aware of the consequences of having my illegal status revealed. I was plagued by nightmares of being caught and deported. This was my childhood. <\/p>\n
At a young age, I understood my duty was to not allow my parents sacrifice to have been in vain. Although I felt inhibited in some capacities by my status, I nonetheless felt compelled to respond to the injustices my family and I encountered. <\/p>\n
The curse of poverty that afflicted my family also poisoned the health of my community. Inadequate access to care coupled with fear and distrust toward health-care providers were ubiquitous among my fellow immigrants. I soon realized that below the surface of our skin, we were all fundamentally the same we all need to be valued and acknowledged for our inherent worth. This understanding was a catalyst in my desire to become a doctor the kind of doctor that people in my community would trust. <\/p>\n
Despite being ineligible for federal financial aid and uncertain about how my undocumented status would affect me, I applied to college, a risk that many of my undocumented peers did not take. When I was granted admission to the University of Washington at the age of 18, I knew I was one step closer to my dream: to become a compassionate and culturally responsive doctor. <\/p>\n
Like other undocumented immigrants who pursue college, I was catapulted into a new world. I pursued two degrees, in bioengineering and biochemistry, and I joined a research lab to help develop a novel HIV diagnostic system for the developing world. In my mind, medicine and technology became intertwined and it was encouraging to discover the social impact I could have not only on my immediate community, but on the world. <\/p>\n
To say that my life changed two years ago would be a complete understatement. When I received my permanent resident card, sponsored by my wonderful wife Carmen, I finally felt like I belonged. I am now at Harvard with support from the Paul and Daisy Soros Fellowship for New Americans. Though I look forward to finally becoming a U.S. citizen, I will forever carry with me remnants of my past and I am thankful, for they have provided me with a unique outlook on life, which will make me a better doctor. But, I do not wish my childhood on anyone. <\/p>\n
Before President Obamas announcement, millions of people suffered in the shadows with the stress and self-doubt of being undocumented. Today, I know that the kids and families who have been touched by the presidents action on immigration reform now have a shot. The work is not done, and a permanent path to citizenship is still needed. But today we must celebrate and welcome the hardworking people who have long contributed to Americas success. <\/p>\n
Carlos Estrada Alamo grew up in West Seattle, graduated from the University of Washington and is currently studying for his doctor of medicine degree at Harvard Medical School. <\/p>\n
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Guest: My journey from an undocumented immigrant to Harvard Medical School<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" AFTER years of delay, President Obama has finally acted on immigration reform. This is a watershed moment in my life and the life of my community in Seattle Continue reading