My parents were born in India. Both worked hard through their school careers, studied for exams, and worked their way to stable careers in America. They soon obtained citizenship and are now considered Americans.

While in America, they had me. Born in America, to immigrant parents, I quickly realized some of the nuances attached with being an American while having a different cultural background. I learned what it means to love both countries and to feel proud of my heritage.

However, despite my ancestral roots lacking a European origin, I am, in all of its entirety, an American woman. My heritage does not diminish that. My heritage enhances that.

America is a melting pot. We are a country known for its richness in diversity. What it means to be an American is not (or at least, should not be), defined by race or heritage. It is defined by love for our country. It is defined by the common bond we share as Americans.

I am an American not only because I was born here, but because the bond I share with this country is limitless. I grew up here. I found my identity here. I learned what it means to be a decent human, to care, to love, all here. I am an American because I owe myself to this country.

And Dreamers aren't any different.

Dreamers, contrary to some prevailing media narratives, aren't awful, job-sucking immigrants who leach resources from the American economy. In fact, deporting Dreamers would siphon 460 billion dollars from the US economy in a mere decade.

Dreamers came to America when they were children. They did not have control over their circumstances. For some of them, America is the only country they have ever known. They too, grew up here. They too, discovered their identities here. They too, became themselves, all here.

Dreamers are just as American as myself, as any other American.

To be American is a bond shaped by humanity. Let's extend that humanity to these individuals as well.