DACA recipient couldn’t afford ASU, so he is going to Harvard.

As our students are back at school, we wanted to share the story of our former Aliento Fellow, Darian Benitez!

Darian's original college plan was to attend Barrett Honors College at Arizona State University. But because of a 2006 law in Arizona, he's not eligible for in-state tuition or public scholarships. So now he's going to Harvard because it is a more affordable option for Darian and his family.

Photo credit: Rocio Hernandez/KJZZ

Darian was born in Guanajuato, Mexico and migrated to the U.S. with his family when he was four. For 14 years, he lived in Arizona as a undocumented student, until recently he was eligible to apply for DACA. Darian faced the education barriers due to Prop 300.

Under Proposition 300, undocumented/DACAmented students like Darian don’t qualify for in-state tuition rates. Because of this, these students pay 50% more for tuition at Arizona public universities. That would be an additional $5,000 per year for a full-time undocumented student at ASU, where the annual in-state tuition rate is nearly $11,000.

Darian was part of the Aliento Arizona’s Future Fellowship. During his time with Aliento, he educated elected officials and peers about the inequities Undocumented and DACAmented students like him face. In 2019, Darian, along with the rest of the Aliento Fellows led over 300 students and educators to the Arizona Capitol to raise awareness of instate tuition for Dreamers.

On May 10, 2021, the Arizona Legislature passed SCR 1044, a ballot measure which will ask Arizona voters in 2022 whether Dreamers like Darian should qualify for Instate Tuition.

“We saw that true change can happen. Although it is too late for me… For my sister this is now possible… My sister has a chance now. I can never express how thankful I am for that.”

Darian hopes to return to Arizona after he graduates from Harvard and give back to the state he calls home. We'll continue to advocate to ensure students like Darian have an opportunity to stay in their home state. 

We are so proud of Darian and his journey here at Aliento. The leadership trainings and fellowship program is not possible without the support from our donors. Donate $25, $50, $100, or $250 so our fellowship program can support the next Darian. Help us NURTURE and develop the next generation of Aliento Fellows. 

Become a recurring sponsor, your monthly contribution will enable us to keep our programs alive!