Today, after 48 hours of intense activism by Congressional Leaders, bloggers, and thousands of grassroots activists who made calls and sent letters on Walter Lara's behalf, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) moved to defer 23-year old Lara's scheduled deportation back one year until July 3, 2010.
-SEIU.org
Walter, a young man who was brought to the United States at age three, was being deported because of a broken immigration system that has consistently failed to provide a way to legalize him. He is a 4.0 student, studies Computer Animation and has remained out of trouble.
But that's who Immigration and Customs Enforcement wants to deport. Students, hardworking youth, potential soldiers. American Kids with out a social security card.
Walter's Deportation deferral is a blessing, but it is also a symbolic victory for me. It is a sliver of hope that, maybe, just maybe, this administration and these congress men and women have finally started to realize that we are not "foreign invaders" but just marginalized Americans.
Ill end this post with Walter's touching speech.
"Today, words cannot express my gratitude to Secretary Janet Napolitano, Senator Bill Nelson, Representatives Corrine Brown, Lincoln Diaz-Balart, and the thousands of grassroots activists whose unified efforts have given me a second chance to live out my American Dream.
"As I look to celebrate Independence Day with family and friends this weekend, I have once again seen what makes America the best country in the world. Americans are fair, just, and kind. When we unite our strength to defend our shared values--opening rather than shutting the doors of opportunity--we can achieve anything. As I have said before, America is the only country I have known and I am an American. I have never been more proud to say that than I am today.
"But even as the dust settles on this tremendous personal victory, my sights are clearly set on the struggle ahead to build a long-term future for me and the more than 2 million like me whose lives may be cut short and dreams deferred.
"The action taken by the leaders in Congress and the Department of Homeland Security is an acknowledgment that our immigration laws are broken. The DREAM Act, if passed, would help people like myself, who came here through no fault of their own, stay in this country, be put on a path to citizenship and contribute to our nation."
Please pass the DREAM Act.
Please support undocumented American youth
Please call your senators and Congresspeople and say
"I support the DREAM Act, you should too"
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