HOUSTON — Victoria Elizondo, a Houston chef, will be attending President Joe Biden's 2024 State of the Union in hopes of inspiring Congress to allow her a path to citizenship.
Elizondo is the owner of a popular restaurant in the East End called Cochinita & Co.
“I have always loved food," she said. "I have always loved the kitchen."
Elizondo has been nominated for not one but two James Beard Foundation Awards. She also has a cookbook, but despite all of her success, some might not know she's a DACA recipient.
“My mom and I migrated to the U.S. when I was 12 years old,” said Elizondo.
DACA -- or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival -- allows thousands of migrants like Elizondo, who arrived in the U.S. as children, access to work permits and protection from deportation.
“There is still a lot of uncertainty," said Elizondo. "As a DACA recipient, you are still not set here."
Matter of fact, in some aspects, it’s held her back.
“Being rejected for loans and stuff,” said Elizondo.
She hopes her trip to Washington D.C., made possible by Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia, would change her circumstances.
“I am still in shock,” said Elizondo.
Congresswoman Garcia said she's excited to have Elizondo as her guest for the State of the Union.
"She is the definition of true grit and dedication," Garcia said in a statement. "Not only has Victoria exemplified remarkable resilience and determination, but she has also gone above and beyond to help other Dreamers improve our community, further strengthening the fabric of our nation. Dreamers deserve equal opportunities as everyone else. This is why I’m leading the Dream and Promise Act by giving Dreamers like Victoria a roadmap to citizenship once and for all. Americans support Dreamers, and Dreamers support America. Victoria's tireless efforts underscore the invaluable contributions Dreamers make to our society every day."
Elizondo said that even if she's not asked any questions while at the Capitol, being there and representing her people is a big deal for her.