Getting a social security number

Applying for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program gave Luz Elena Hernandez a social security number and, with it, the freedom to drive and work legally for two years.  Those changes, she says, have opened her eyes to a future, beyond college, that was unimaginable before.  "Before six months ago, the only job that I could get paid me less than minimum wage. But now, I get paid more, plus commission and benefits. What changed? A nine-digit number... For the next two years I am equal to everyone else."  Her perspective is on Youth Radio.