Fighting to Keep a Life Built in the United States Things have not gone according to the plan hatched long ago by Beatriz Rivera's family. "I remember clearly that when we left Mexico, my dad said to his friends, "We'll be back in 10 years," " said Ms. Rivera, 31. That was the mark. Whatever he wanted to accomplish was supposed to be accomplished. The family left Veracruz, Mexico, in 1990. Ms. Rivera, her parents, and her two younger brothers moved to Yonkers, N.Y. Settling down in the United States was fairly easy. "I had more of a problem with math than learning the language," Ms. Rivera said. But like so many immigrant families who dream of saving money, building a better future and one day going back to their native land, the Riveras have yet to return. And though she remained in the United States for more than a decade after her father's self-imposed deadline, Ms. Rivera is not complaining. "I'm really lucky, because I have been able to learn so much and experience so much in the States," she said. For years, however, Ms. Rivera has lived with the fear that she would be unable to remain in the country. She has been an illegal resident ever since a work permit she acquired when she was 17 expired, several years ago. Beatriz Rivera moved to the United States from Mexico when she was a child. Her work permit expired several years ago. Her uncertain residential status threatens job opportunities, while the possibility of deportation, though unlikely, multiplies her worries. Sometimes she sounds defeated. "I'm just going to go back to Mexico," Ms. Rivera said, considering her prospects. I know how to speak both languages. I should be able to get a job. I should be able to get into school. If I have to move back, I'll survive. But I've learned so much here. To her relief, Ms. Rivera discovered a means of obtaining a two-year, renewable work permit by filling out a Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals application. When granted, a deferral directs immigration and citizenship officials to practice discretion in prosecuting those who arrived illegally in the United States as children. It does not confer lawful immigration status, alter an individual's existing immigration status, or provide a path to citizenship, but it ensures a work permit and a reprieve from deportation. Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New York, one of the seven agencies supported by The New York Times Neediest Cases Fund, provided her with $465 from the fund to pay the application fee. One of Ms. Rivera's brothers, who lives in Pennsylvania, recently acquired a work permit through the same process; her other brother is no longer in the United States. Ms. Rivera also has two younger sisters, both born in America. A strong work ethic motivates the Riveras. Both parents have toiled mightily for the sake of the family. Her mother works three jobs to pay for the apartment she shares with her three daughters. She and Mr. Rivera are divorced. Ms. Rivera herself is no stranger to the working world. She got her first job, in a bakery, when she was 14, and later worked in a grocery store. "It got to the point where more money was needed," she said. And I wanted to be independent. In 2007, when Ms. Rivera's previous work permit expired, she had to leave her job. For the last several years she has found work at a therapist's office run by benevolent, understanding employers, but her obligations to her family have severely postponed her dream of graduating from college. "I really want to finish school," Ms. Rivera said. I have to continue working, get a job where I can set a better schedule for school so I can take classes and finish that. That's the most important part for me right now. Ms. Rivera attends Westchester Community College part time, pursuing an associate degree in science. She hopes to someday enroll in a nursing program. "I feel that's one of the good skills to have, to help people who are in need," Ms. Rivera said. I feel like that's something good that I can learn. It's useful. And I can do it in different places. With her legal status brightened, Ms. Rivera feels emboldened enough to share her story with those in similar situations who might be unaware of options like the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. "I'd be willing to take the risk, anyway," she said. There's so many people out there who have no clue what to do.