If ever there has been one word that can bring out the worst in people it is immigration.

This is especially true when it is associated with undocumented immigrants. On Wednesday, Pulitzer winner Jose Antonio Vargas revealed in a lengthy essay that he is undocumented. He arrived in the United States as a 12-year-old from the Philippines. He’s lived the American dream, working for the Washington Post, becoming an accomplished journalist, but all the while hiding a secret.

But he is not the only one living this personal nightmare.

Last week I was in Orlando attending the NAHJ convention. I connected with a young woman I met at last year’s convention. She is bright, dedicated and has big dreams for the future. But one thing stands in her way: she too is undocumented. She is part of that growing group of young people known as DREAMers, students who would benefit from the passage of the DREAM Act.  Not only would they stand to gain so much, they would also be able to contribute and give back to the only country they know; the country they call home.

I saw her at the beginning of the convention, so full of hope, ready to show the media companies what she could offer. Two days later, I saw her again. Her demeanor had changed; she appeared demoralized. She had spoken to an immigration attorney who also was attending. He told her the news she had hoped not to hear, the chances of legalizing her status would be difficult at best and could take years.

I did what I could to offer moral support and encourage her to not give up. I stayed positive on the outside, but on the inside my heart was breaking for her. It was one of those moments when I wished I had a magic wand and could fix things.

I may not be able to change her status, but what I can do is be there for her. Offer support; let her know she is not alone. But most of all keep fighting for passage of the DREAM Act because it is the right thing to do.