Growing up in Northern California, Luis Cortes Romero demonstrated a keen intellect and attended a school for gifted students. His entrepreneurial spirit became evident early on when, despite his undocumented status, he successfully organized a chocolate-selling fundraiser to finance a school trip to Europe. However, the realization that he couldn’t participate due to his immigration status was a pivotal moment that marked his awareness of being undocumented.

This revelation profoundly influenced Cortes Romero's journey, navigating through challenges of identity and belonging as he balanced his Mexican heritage with his American upbringing. Struggling with a sense of "dichotomy," he often felt torn between two cultures, never fully belonging to either.

Despite these challenges, Cortes Romero's mother provided unwavering support that propelled him through college and into law school. Initially uncertain about whether his undocumented status would allow him to practice law, the introduction of DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) in 2012 proved transformative. DACA alleviated the constant fear of deportation, enabling Cortes Romero to pursue his aspirations without legal barriers.

The Trump administration’s 2017 decision to rescind DACA thrust Cortes Romero into a new role—a staunch defender of the program that had provided security to him and countless others. His pivotal advocacy for DACA recipients culminated in a historic milestone: becoming the first undocumented lawyer to argue before the Supreme Court in November 2019. His intimate understanding of DACA’s intricacies and its profound impact on individuals, businesses, and communities fortified his contributions to the legal defense.

Although the Supreme Court’s June 2020 decision upheld DACA on procedural grounds, the program’s future remains precarious pending ongoing legal challenges in the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. Cortes Romero remains steadfast in his advocacy efforts, emphasizing the critical need for public awareness and support for DACA recipients.

The documentary "From Here/From There," premiering on PBS in July 2024, offers a comprehensive portrayal of Cortes Romero’s journey, delving into the complexities of the immigration system and highlighting DACA’s transformative effects on individuals' lives. Directed by Marlene Morris, a former immigration attorney, the film underscores the power of storytelling in effecting social change and illuminating personal transformations.

Over the past 12 years, DACA has provided a lifeline to approximately 530,000 recipients, offering them opportunities for education, employment, and community contribution. Despite broad public support for DACA recipients, ongoing legal battles and political uncertainties continue to cast shadows over their futures.

Reflecting on his journey and the broader immigrant rights movement, Cortes Romero remains hopeful for congressional action to secure DACA’s long-term sustainability. He draws inspiration from historical social movements and the resilience of those advocating for justice and equality.

As Cortes Romero eloquently stated in "From Here/From There," echoing the sentiments of many DACA recipients: "For us, home is always worth fighting for." His narrative stands as a poignant reminder of the ongoing challenges and triumphs within the immigrant community, urging sustained advocacy and solidarity in the pursuit of a more inclusive and equitable society.