‘Dreamer' fighting to stay in the U.S. now fighting for her life

IRVING, Texas - A young woman who spoke to FOX 4 about her fight to remain in the U.S. to study is now fighting for her life after being seriously injured in a car accident.

Alma Terrazas is among the group of immigrants known as ‘Dreamers,’ young people who arrived with their families illegally and now face possible deportation. But for her loved ones, the most immediate concern is her health following a car accident.

The 25-year old is making progress, but there is still great concern as her injuries are very serious.

Alma is no stranger to struggle. She spoke to FOX 4 in February about her struggle as a Dreamer. Her parents went back to Mexico when her dad was deported 12 years ago, leaving her and her brother Juan alone.

"She's a fighter,” her brother said.

But Alma’s current fight is at Parkland Hospital with a serious head injury and broken bones. She was struck and thrown 40 feet Saturday morning after a fender bender on Highway 183 in Irving.

"But once they got out to take a quick look, there was a car that came from behind and then a fourth car after that that just ran into them,” Juan recalled. “My sister being in front of the car, she got hit."

Police say everyone in the accident stayed on scene. Alma had just taken her roommate and best friend to the airport.

After hearing what happened to her friend, Gina Espinoza returned from her trip the same day.

"I live with her. We both take care of each other,” Espinoza said. “I told her, ‘This is another test. You're going to be fine. You're gonna be good.’ I let her know, and I prayed. It’s just another obstacle for her."

Juan agrees with Espinoza, saying his sister knows adversity, and she will overcome this.

"We've been without our parents ever since. So we’ve learned how to… we had to mature quicker than most people,” Juan said. “So we know she's gonna make it."

The crash happened in an area with construction going on, and there was no shoulder to pull off.

Police are cautioning drivers if involved in an accident to travel to the next exit and get out of your vehicle once you're safely off the freeway.