Isabel Castillo Has a Dream
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July 6, 2010
HARRISONBURG, Virg. - Thousands of young Virginians have dreams of doing well in school, going to college and, with degree in hand, obtaining a job. But, for some, it cannot become a reality because they arrived in the U.S. as children and do not have the all-important nine-digit code - a Social Security number.
Isabel Castillo's parents brought her to Harrisonburg from Mexico when she was six. She thrived in public schools and graduated high school with a 4.0 grade point average, but hit a bump when she wanted to attend college, like her peers.
"I qualified for many scholarships, but because I lacked the Social Security number, I couldn't apply for scholarships for loans for financial aid; I couldn't even apply to a college or university."
Castillo says she wanted to work as a social worker and knew a career would require a college degree. She eventually found a university that would take her, and she graduated with honors from Eastern Mennonite University. After receiving a bachelors degree in social work, she encountered another road block - she couldn't apply for jobs because she still lacked a Social Security number.
"People might wonder well, why don't you get one, but it's very difficult. The immigration system is very broken; it needs to be fixed, and really my only hope right now is The Dream Act."
Castillo has been working as an advocate for The Dream Act (The Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors Act), which would allow applicants who were brought to the U.S. before the age of 16 and are under the age of 35 to petition for citizenship if they meet certain requirements. The Dream Act was first introduced nine years ago. Senators Warner and Webb have expressed support for the bill, while some opponents say it rewards immigrants who are here illegally.