By Lisa Miller, PelahatchieNews.com
Nataly Camacho, a native of Pelahatchie, is building a meaningful career advocating for immigrant families across Mississippi. Raised in town after emigrating from Oaxaca, Mexico, at the age of 2, Camacho now works as an organizer and paralegal with the Mississippi Immigrant Rights Alliance (MIRA), a nonprofit legal and civil-rights organization based in Jackson.
Camacho grew up in Pelahatchie alongside her younger siblings, attending local schools and becoming fluent in English while serving as a translator for her family. She remembers everyday challenges that came with navigating life in Mississippi as an immigrant child — from watching classmates obtain driver’s licenses she couldn’t apply for, to learning that her immigration status would limit access to federal financial aid for college.
A Personal Experience Shapes a Career
During her senior year of high school in 2018, Camacho visited the Get2College Center in Jackson with hopes of qualifying for federal financial aid. Although her sister, U.S.-born and eligible for assistance, was able to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), Camacho discovered she did not qualify because she was born abroad. That experience was formative, underscoring how immigration policies directly affect lives and opportunities.
In response to these challenges, Camacho pursued Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status, lifting some barriers to employment and education — including work authorization. She later earned a paralegal degree from Holmes Community College in Goodman, Mississippi, graduating in 2021.
Advocating for Others at MIRA
Camacho officially joined MIRA in 2021 and has been an organizer with the group since 2022. Her work centers on helping immigrant families navigate the legal system, understand their rights, and engage civically. Camacho draws directly from her own experiences to assist those facing language barriers, legal hurdles, or unfamiliarity with government systems.
At MIRA, she helps with tasks such as interpreting during court hearings, assisting families with paperwork, and educating community members about the legislative process. One of her signature contributions has been leading MIRA’s Civic Engagement Day, an annual event designed to teach immigrant Mississippians how state government works and how to advocate on issues affecting their communities.
Colleagues describe Camacho as a natural leader with an energetic approach to community organizing. “She’s always ready to learn and to dig more deeply into any issue she thinks is interesting,” said a fellow organizer, highlighting her ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds.
Giving Back to the State She Calls Home
Camacho’s journey — from a young girl in Pelahatchie translating for her parents to a respected community organizer — reflects her deep commitment to public service and to helping families overcome obstacles similar to those she once faced. She continues to work with state lawmakers and community partners, striving to ensure immigrant voices are heard in public policy debates.
For residents of Pelahatchie and Rankin County, Camacho’s story is more than a profile of individual achievement — it’s an example of how experiences rooted in our local community can fuel significant impact statewide.
Comment
Comments