Dreamer Paradise: Poems

To be undocumented, to be America's shadow, can be the worst thing any youth or adolescent can experience. In some cases, undocumented immigrant youth will only know that they are undocumented once it is time to apply for jobs, a driver's license, or college applications because to apply means to possess a valid social security number.

The term 'Dreamer' is now claimed by the undocumented youth population. It redefines the experience of immigrant youth and validates their existence as an individual experience. Dreamer Paradise aims to tell that experience and serves as a closer look into Quiroz's life, from being denied entry at the DMV to wanting acceptance as an American citizen; and, at the same time, holding their Mexican queer identity close to their existence. Quiroz does not hold back and urges anyone who reads to listen.