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Kevin Lee: I was undocumented.
My mother would tell me, you know, secretly, you know,
"Don't ever tell your best friends.
Don't tell anybody.
Keep it to yourself."
And I always lived in fear and --
I don't want to use this word, but -- shame,
of my status,
just like so many other aspiring citizens here.
I came here when I was 9 years old back in 1999.
There was a severe economic crisis back in South Korea,
and my parents decided to move here
to aspire for the American Dream
that so many Americans in the past have aspired for.
When DACA was announced on June 15th, 2012,
I was so happy, because I was in my friend's room
and I was preparing for my graduation.
It was my graduation day.
And we turned on the TV and President Obama started speaking
about Deferred Action and how he will relieve people like me,
dreamers, aspiring citizens.
And I was so happy to see that.
Still, I think we have a lot of need to move forward.
I get hundreds of calls every day from my organizing work.
It's mostly the mothers that call.
They call and ask, "How can I improve my son's,
you know, status?
How can I improve, you know -- how can I help
my son or daughter?"
You know, they just want the best for their child,
and when I hear them,
I see my mother through the phone,
and I also see myself, the shy, the timid,
but also the creative, energetic, smart people
who can really contribute to this great country.
And I really would like to thank you for having me here,
Mr. President and Mr. Vice President.
This was an amazing opportunity, and, yeah, thank you so much.