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Born in the Philippines, but Georgia is home

Raymond Partolan, who came to the United States from the Philippines, discusses the endangered DACA program which has allowed him to work in the U.S. legally.
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Oct 13, 2017

Raymond Partolan grew up in Georgia and identifies as an American and Southerner.

The 24-year-old left the Philippines as a 15-month-old baby. His mother and father, a physical therapist, wanted a chance at a better life in the United States.

Georgia, he said, is the only place he’s ever known.

Now Partolan, and thousands of other young immigrants who live here, is grappling with a threat that puts his legal status in the U.S. at risk.

President Donald Trump pledged to dismantle Obama-era immigration protections such as the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, the program that allows Partolan to receive a work permit, a driver’s license, and has given him a sense of safety.

Last month, President Trump announced he intended to phase out DACA.

Read his story here and read about how he and other young immigrants are fighting to preserve DACA here.

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