Noemi Romero arrived in the United States from Villahermosa, Mexico at the age of four. Her identity theft charge prevents her from qualifying for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals.

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When Supporting Your Family Earns a Criminal Record

by Noemi Romero 09-16-2014
Noemi Romero's Family. Photo from Define American

Noemi Romero's Family. Photo from Define American

America was a free country. There, freedom is everything. Growing up, that was the picture I had. America was the country where you’re free to do whatever you want.

It all changed when I turned 16. I woke up excited, ready to go to the DMV and get my driver’s license like all my friends were doing -- and then my parents told me that I was here illegally. I was undocumented. Reality sunk in. America was not a free country for me.