A Bittersweet Farewell: The Story of Diego de la Vega and His Journey Beyond the Shadows

Early Life and the Weight of Undocumented Status

Diego de la Vega’s life story is one of resilience, hope, and the complexities of navigating an undocumented existence in America. Born in Ecuador, de la Vega arrived in the United States at the age of seven in 2001, accompanied by his family on a visitor’s visa. What was intended to be a temporary stay turned into a lifetime of living in the shadows when the visa expired, and his family chose to remain in the country. For 23 years, de la Vega grew up in New York, forging a life filled with both opportunity and the constant fear of discovery. Despite the challenges, he recalls a relatively happy childhood, shaped by the vibrant culture of his adopted home. However, the reality of his undocumented status loomed large, influencing every major decision of his life.

A Political Awakening and the Pursuit of Change

De la Vega’s journey into activism began in 2010, when the Dream Act—a piece of legislation aimed at providing a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants brought to the U.S. as children—narrowly failed in the Senate. This moment of profound disappointment marked a turning point for him. He became deeply involved in the immigrant rights movement, determined to fight for the protections and opportunities he and others like him deserved. His passion for advocacy led him to work with various organizations and later with political figures, including Robert Rodriguez, a member of the New York State Assembly. This role not only honed his skills as a communicator but also deepened his understanding of the political machinery that shaped the lives of immigrants like himself.

Navigating the Halls of Congress as an Undocumented Immigrant

In 2021, de la Vega’s career took a remarkable turn when he was hired by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s re-election campaign. He eventually rose to the position of deputy communications director, working closely with the congresswoman who had become a champion of progressive causes, including immigration reform. This role was both a triumph and a paradox. De la Vega, an undocumented immigrant, found himself navigating the halls of Congress, advocating for policies that could have transformed his own life. His employment in such a high-profile position raised questions about the legality and ethics of hiring an undocumented individual for a congressional role. While DACA recipients are typically barred from paid positions in congressional offices, de la Vega’s case highlighted the gray areas and contradictions within the immigration system.

The Decision to Self-Deport: A Mix of Relief and Loss

After years of living in limbo, de la Vega made the difficult decision to self-deport to Colombia, a country where he could live without the constant fear of deportation. The move was bittersweet. On one hand, he found freedom in the ability to move without restriction, a luxury he had not known since childhood. On the other hand, leaving behind the life he had built in the U.S. felt like an exile, a permanent severing of ties to the only home he had known for most of his life. “It feels surreal to not be illegalized anymore,” he reflected. “I don’t have to live in the shadows or constantly worry about paperwork.” The decision, made alongside his wife, brought a sense of relief but also a deep sadness for what he had lost.

Reflections on the Broken Immigration System

De la Vega’s journey sheds light on the fractured state of the U.S. immigration system. Despite his contributions to the political process and his deep-rooted connection to American life, he found himself unable to secure legal status. His frustrations extended to the broader immigration movement, which he felt had failed to adapt to the challenges of the modern era. “Protections are going away, regardless of who is in the White House,” he lamented. “The strategy hasn’t adapted to the modern era.” Even under President Biden, who campaigned on a promise of immigration reform, the hoped-for changes did not materialize. For de la Vega, this stagnation underscored the systemic failures that have left millions of undocumented immigrants in limbo.

A New Chapter in Colombia and the Legacy of His Journey

Today, de la Vega is rebuilding his life in Colombia, a country that feels both familiar and foreign. While he acknowledges the pain of leaving behind the life he knew, he also finds fulfillment in reconnecting with his roots and living without the burden of his undocumented status. His story is a testament to the resilience of immigrants who navigate the complexities of an unforgiving system. Though his journey is personal, it carries a universal message about the human cost of failed policies and the enduring hope for a better future. As he settles into his new life, de la Vega remains a symbol of the countless immigrants who continue to fight for a system that acknowledges their humanity and rewards their contributions.