WASHINGTON, DC: Rep. Mike Honda (D-Calif.) has delivered a letter to President Obama, co-signed by 33 members of Congress, asking him to grant humanitarian parole and allow nine DREAM Act-eligible young adults to remain permanently in the United States. Members of the “DREAM 9” – as they have become known in the media – were detained at an Arizona border crossing recently attempting to reenter the U.S. from Mexico in a protest that has gained national attention. All nine were brought to the United States at a young age and consider this country their only home.
“These courageous, undocumented young people shine a light on the painful family separation caused by our broken immigration system,” said Rep. Honda upon the letter’s delivery. “One who took part in this protest is Lizbeth Mateo, a constituent. It had been 15 years since she last saw her family in Mexico, and overcame incredible odds to gain admission this fall to Santa Clara University Law School. While we are working hard to achieve comprehensive reform in Congress, DREAMers like Lizbeth need action now for the opportunity to live, learn, and succeed in our country.”
Remarked Fr. Michael Engh, President of Santa Clara University: “I applaud the courage of Lizbeth and other young individuals in similar situations who wish to preserve a connection to their heritage while not jeopardizing their future in the United States. I reiterate my support for a policy that reunites families and puts a hold on deportations as immigration reform legislation is being debated.”
Added Fr. Stephen Privett, President of the University of San Francisco: “Ms. Mateo and her fellow DREAMers are courageous and fearless in their determination to publicly tell the story of the undocumented. Like all major civil rights movements, it is the act of bold and committed persons who lead the way and personalize the struggle of all those who are disenfranchised.”
The U.S. Jesuit Conference also released a statement in support: “Last week, Jesuit University presidents joined other Catholic college presidents in a letter calling for immediate, comprehensive, moral, and humane overhaul of our country’s broken immigration system, which continues to separate families and trap aspiring Americans in the shadows. We echo this call, and we stand with the DREAMers who crossed seeking a humanitarian parole policy.”
India Post News Service
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