Herta's Community Stepped Up to Stop Her Deportation: Will You?

by Dave Bennion

categories: Advocacy and Activism, DREAM Act, Immigration Reform

Published August 19, 2009 @ 06:00AM PT

[Herta Llusho still needs us to keep up the pressure on DHS not to deport her and her mother back to a country she left when she was 11 years old.  If you haven't done so already, click through to send a fax to DHS requesting she be granted deferred action.  If you have faxed DHS already, click here to find out more ways to take action.]

I didn't quite know what Kyle at Citizen Orange had meant when he said last week after meeting Dream Act-eligible honors student Herta Llusho and her family that Herta had restored his faith in this country.  After working with Herta and her family more closely this week, I think I understand what he meant.  But rather than try to put it into my own words, let me let Herta's friends, teachers, and neighbors put it in theirs.  Herta is an extraordinary young woman, and her community saw this and responded from their hearts when her ability to live in this country was threatened by her impending deportation.  They provided dozens of very personalized letters to present to DHS today with her request for deferred action, and the number keeps on growing.  Here is a sampling:

Herta’s determination and compassion far exceed many others- including my own. I am humbled by Herta’s willingness and desire to serve. In this past year, I have worked with a college ministry called Campus Crusade for Christ. Herta was involved in this student organization on her campus in addition to pouring herself into her studies. I have also had a privilege of going to the same church at which she faithfully serves. She spends hours tutoring kids and volunteering with the junior high Sunday school class. It’s a joy to watch so many children run up to her at church because of the love they receive when they are with her.

– Rebekah

Over the past years, through my son’s friend and dating relationships, I have come to know Herta personally. A truthful, kind, and sincere young person; Herta is nothing but an asset to my family. She has an effortless smile, quick humor, and caring personality. Herta is active in her church, volunteers in her community, and is a hardworking student. She is a constant encouragement to me and I’ve enjoyed the time we’ve spent together.

– Lisa

Since I met [Herta], I have known her to be the most caring, smart, hard working, unselfish, giving, faithful, and honest friend I have ever had. She taught me how to trust and love others, especially God in a significant way. She constantly puts other people first; even when she has her own issues to deal with. This country needs more people like Herta. I still have hope that America will realize what is happening and show compassion toward the situation and fix it. Herta’s family has sacrificed so much and has done everything right, especially when it came to following the rules.

– Marc

Everyone who has ever met Herta loves her. Although I have known her only a brief period of time, she has greatly enriched my life and lives of those she meets. She is warm, funny, and deeply caring. I have always considered Herta a model citizen in every way. I sincerely implore and most earnestly plead with you to allow Herta to continue to live here in the US, to continue her education among her family and friends, to proceed with her life here. This is the most passionate plea from both Herta and all of those who love her so dearly.

– Robin

From an academic perspective Herta is one of the hardest working students I know. She graduated with me form Grosse Pointe South High School and is currently attending the University of Detroit Mercy. She was never one of those geniuses who could slide by without studying. She always did well but it was based upon a firm foundation of hard work. I can remember plenty of days after school running into Hera while she was heading home to study. I believe that obtaining knowledge in this fashion makes it even more valuable to an individual. There is a greater sense of appreciation for it since it takes time to achieve. Not only was she strong in the classroom, but also she as well rounded. She was a member of the track and cross country teams and served as a volunteer both through her church and a school group known as KOCOTS.

– Bryan

Herta is also presenting to DHS this morning the petition which over 3,000 of you signed asking DHS to exercise discretion and grant her deferred action until the DREAM Act can be voted on.  Thank you for supporting Herta and her family--they appreciate your efforts!