Dreamer Karen Bahena, invited by Congressman Scott Peters to attend President Trump’s recent State of the Union Address, characterized it as a “transformative” experience.
The daughter of undocumented migrants who brought her to San Diego from Mexico at age 8, Bahena was part of a group of Dreamers attending the president’s address.
The term “Dreamer” refers to the generation of immigrants who came to the U.S as children.
“It was a remarkable statement of resistance, and it sent other members of Congress the message of urgency for a narrow, bipartisan bill that would protect Dreamers all across the country,” said Bahena, who attempted to make eye contact with event attendees wearing “migrating butterfly stickers” supporting immigrants, refugees and Dreamers. 
“We acknowledged each other’s presence, and stood there in solidarity shaking our heads and raising our eyebrows through what turned out to be a distasteful, hate-filled speech,” Bahena said, adding the “message of intolerance left a bitter taste.”
The Dreamer felt the address’s point was “to divide and evoke fear in immigrant communities.” She described the impression left by the address that America has put immigrants ahead of its citizens, ‘is offensive and untrue. The reality is that Donald Trump created this crisis when he rescinded DACA, leaving 800,000 Dreamers like myself vulnerable to deportation. Our lives are now in limbo because of a cruel decision.”
Of Bahena, U.S. Rep. Scott Peters (CA-52) said: “Karen is a remarkable San Diegan who embodies the American mentality that if you work hard and play by the rules, then you will have an opportunity to prosper in this country. There is no reason that this American Dream should not be extended to her. Karen is a smart, dedicated college graduate who aspires to be a nurse and eventually pursue medical school.”
Added Peters: “Outstanding contributors to society like Karen should not be forced out of our country, instead, they should be embraced and celebrated for making the United States a better place. A clear path forward for Dreamers must be Congress’ top priority before it is too late.”
Bahena has graduated with a degree in public health and nutrition at San Diego State University. She now works as a research coordinator at the UC San Diego pursuing a medical career. She hopes to one day help underprivileged communities with health-care needs.
Like others in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, Bahena has been provided with a driver’s license and a work permit. She has 247 days left before her work permit expires. 
Bahena continues to spread her story and advocate for the 800,000 other DACA recipients that live in a state of uncertainty for what the future holds. 
“As a Dreamer, you grow up hoping that one day you would have the same opportunities as a citizen, that you would be granted and treated with the same civil rights and liberties,” said Bahina. “No one has ever told Americans that they have no right to dream … Dreamers are Americans too.”