Q&A with Julissa Arce

Author of My (Underground) American Dream

Julissa Arce’s Wall Street success story would be illuminating in and of itself; a Hispanic woman who stood out among her colleagues to become an executive on a six-figure salary. What makes it extraordinary is that she did it all as an undocumented immigrant. Arce’s story starts with her arrival in the U.S. from Mexico at age eleven on a tourist visa. When the visa expired four years later, she became technically undocumented. Thanks to the Texas Dream Act, however, she was able to attend college, where her talents were recognized, setting her on track for her future as a Goldman Sachs vice president. Join Arce at Busboys and Poets 14th & V where she will discuss her memoir, My (Underground) American Dream with WAMU senior reporter Armando Trull.

You forged a successful career in banking, starting out at a time when Wall Street was at its most confident and boisterous. While you were there, how did you feel about attitudes towards more vulnerable members of society, including undocumented immigrants?

It was easy to get caught up in the lifestyle of Wall Street. However, for me, there were constant reminders that grounded me. On one hand, I was a walking American dream and on the other hand I wasn’t legally part of what defined America.

Once you decided to reveal that you were once undocumented, what was the response from friends and colleagues? Was it what you were anticipating?

Most of my friends and former colleagues were very understanding of my experiences. They were shocked to learn my truth, but they didn’t judge me for it. There were a few people who distanced themselves from me, but I expected that.

Do you ever hear from currently undocumented immigrants about their stories, and how surprised would Americans be to know the truth about who they are and what they contribute to this country?

Yes! I hear incredible stories all the time. My story is unique in that every person has unique experiences, but more often than not, I meet and hear about stories that do not fit the most common narratives. I am constantly amazed at the accomplishments of undocumented immigrants, we/they achieve the impossible in spite of having so little opportunity.