Opinion: Why I’m fighting for a future where all of us can thrive

Milwaukee Bilingual Teacher and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipient, Alondra García, is supporting Kamala Harris for president for a more hopeful future. 

I am from the south side of Milwaukee, and this community has always been my home. I’m a second-grade bilingual teacher, and every day, I see the hopes and dreams of my students reflected in the eyes of their families—families just like mine. My journey began when my family brought me to the United States when I was just two years old. We built our lives here, and like so many others, we faced the challenges of proving that we belong.

My story is part of a larger fight many immigrant families across Wisconsin and the nation face. Like countless others, we stood up to demand recognition and dignity for young people who, like me, grew up here and consider this our home. It wasn’t an easy journey, but by raising our voices together, we helped bring DACA to life. This program gave me—and hundreds of thousands like me—the chance to live, work, study, and thrive in the only country we’ve ever known. We fought for this life because we believe in the promise of this country, and now, more than ever, it’s a fight we must continue.

But now, everything we’ve worked for feels at risk. Leaders like Donald Trump have attacked our communities, attempting to control our futures with extreme policies and rhetoric that instill fear and division. As a Latina, I’ve felt the weight of these attacks, and I know many others have, too. It’s not just about political decisions; it’s about our right to thrive and be seen as equal human beings in this country.

That’s why I feel safer with Kamala Harris. She understands what’s at stake for people like me and is fighting to ensure we all have the freedom to pursue our dreams. She believes in a future where our contributions are recognized, where our communities are valued, and where no one has to live in fear. Her commitment to protecting programs like DACA isn’t just about policy—it’s about ensuring everyone has a voice and the chance to build a better life.

As a teacher, I want my students to grow up in a country that values them for who they are and where they have the same opportunities to succeed as anyone else. I want them to have leaders who fight for their rights and see them not as outsiders but as part of the fabric of this nation. That’s why this election is so important.

The contrast couldn’t be clearer. Trump wants to control our future, but Kamala Harris wants to ensure everyone has the freedom to thrive. She stands for the values that make this country great—freedom, opportunity, and justice for all. We can’t afford to go back to a time when our communities lived in fear, wondering if our dreams would be taken away.

I believe in a Wisconsin and an America where our differences make us stronger and where every child—no matter where they come from or how they got here—has the opportunity to succeed. I believe in a future where my students can dream big and feel confident that their country has their back. And I believe that together, we can make that future a reality.

This November, eligible voters have a choice to make. It’s not just about a candidate or a party—it’s about the direction we want for our country. We need leaders who stand with us and believe in our right to thrive. I’m standing up, not just for myself but for my students, my family, and my community.

Let’s continue to fight for the future we deserve. I can’t cast a vote, but you can, and I know how powerful that is. In this election, VOTE to make sure every voice is heard. We stood together for DACA, and now I’m asking you to stand for hope this November. Choose leaders who believe in our potential and will fight for our right to live, work, and contribute to the country we call home.

Related: 2024 Guide to Voiting in Wisconsin