18 Eighteen - Julissa

In early 2026, she was honored with the Leal Award from UCSB's Department of Chicano/a Studies for her contributions to immigration rights.

💡 Arce's story highlights how the "traditional" path to adulthood (turning 18, heading to college, starting a career) is often fraught with extra layers of difficulty for undocumented youth. 18 eighteen julissa

She co-founded the Ascend Educational Fund , which provides scholarships to immigrant students. In early 2026, she was honored with the

Born in Mexico, Arce moved to Texas at age 11. Her status as an undocumented immigrant created immense pressure during her late teens. In early 2026

When asked where she was from, her answers often elicited more questions about her ethnicity and status.