Maria Valeria Garcia

My name is Valeria Garcia. I am an undocumented student at Arizona State University. I am currently double majoring in political science and transborder studies, a minor in civic and economic thought and leadership, and a certificate in civic education. I was born in Aguascalientes, Mexico. I migrated with my family to the United States when I was 4 years old. Education has always been important to me, and higher education has always been a goal of mine. Though, when the time came to begin planning for it, I became aware of the many barriers imposed on my path due to my status. I decided to use my voice and advocate for the 2,000 undocumented students that graduate every year from Arizona high schools. I began getting involved with Aliento! I was part of their 2019-2020 fellowship. I advocated for in-state tuition for Dreamers at the state capital by educating legislators how this affects my community. After the bill became Prop 308, and was to be decided by Arizona voters, I interned for Aliento's campaign. Prop 308 passed and students like myself are able to pay in-state tuition in their home state. I am now their educational organizer intern this spring!