Advocacy and Activism
My Name is Ashley and I am Undocumented
Published August 22, 2009 @ 06:09AM PT
[This week's DREAM Act guest post comes from Ashley, a DREAM-eligible would-be med school student whose hopes to contribute her talents in the medical field have been cut short by Congress's refusal to vote on the DREAM Act. Visit Dreamactivist.org to find out how you can help pass the DREAM Act.]
The funny thing about my story is that my grandmother and mother were both greencard holders. Yet, here I am in a state of limbo status because the lawyer messed up. In the time it took for my mother to futilely navigate the immigration system, I had already overstayed my tourist visa and forgotten my native tongue. I thought of myself only as an American and was thoroughly disappointed and in a state of shock when I found that I couldn't get a driver's license. As I grew older, the barriers grew more formidable. I moved into a studio-size apartment with my family, checked vending machines for forgotten change, and somehow managed to finish my college education.
I graduated from a prestigious university without any form of institutional financial aid. I did, however, qualify for in-state tuition, without which I would not be the person I am today. To save money, I finished two majors in three years and received the highest honors given at my school. Throughout my college days, I was and still am an active member of the community. I led efforts to provide health service for the uninsured, tutored and mentored underserved youth, and volunteered at the free clinic. My status had provided me with unique insight into the struggles of the low-income and underserved and with undying strength to help those in greater need.
Finally, I realized that my greatest desire in life was to pursue a career in medicine so that I could dedicate each day to directly helping those in need. I applied and was accepted into MD-PhD programs across the nation, placing me in the top 10% of the student population. Yet, in a matter of days, my dreams would be destroyed. I am still out of status and unable to pursue dual degrees in medicine and research. Currently, I am still unsure whether or not I will be able to enroll in medical school. My elite pile of acceptances seem to dangle before me as dreams that are so close to reality and yet so far from my reach.
But I don't deserve this. I had made no excuses in my application and told no lies. I was, instead, reviewed and accepted by my own academic and personal merits. These schools don't even have a clue of what I've had to go through to get this far in my life. They offered me admission because I was well-qualified for a spot in their entering class, because I had shown the potential to make great differences in the world of healthcare and scientific innovation. It is entirely their loss that they revoked the acceptances I had gained fair and square.
I hope this nation will not make the same mistake as these schools. We, the Dreamies, represent some of America's most persevering and brightest youth. We have been tested by the most difficult challenges. Most of us have experienced days when we couldn't afford buying food for our family or painful incidents when we couldn't afford medical help for our loved ones. Yet, with each challenge, we continue to overcome. We face these adversities head-on and grow stronger in the process. And each day, we explore the limits of our potential as allowed by the restrictions imposed on us because we hold the faith that this country we love so dearly will one day recognize us and our efforts. We want nothing more than to contribute to the growth of this nation and, without a doubt, we have the potential to do so. All we need is the chance to grow.
Please pass the DREAM Act. All I ever wanted was to go to medical school, to spend the rest of my life giving back to the community, and to finally be an American.
Herta Thanks Her Supporters, But Not Out of the Woods Yet
Published August 21, 2009 @ 12:01AM PT
ICE has granted Herta an order of supervision until November 9, 2009, but she still may be deported or detained on that day.
DHS and ICE need to grant Herta deferred action on her deportation.
Help SEIU and Herta reach their goal of 5,000 letters by the end of the week!
Sign Alonso's Petition, Stop His Deportation
Published August 20, 2009 @ 10:41PM PT
Alianza Student Organization has featured a story about another DREAM Act-eligible student who is about to be deported, Alonso Chehade. Please take a moment to sign the petition to stop his deportation.
We could read different stories like Alonzo's and Herta's every day for the next year and still there would be millions of Dreamers living in the shadows. What good does it accomplish to use government resources to deport them one by one, ripping apart families and demoralizing communities? That is why Alonso's call to DHS to put a hold on the deportations until the DREAM Act can be voted on is so important (see his video statement below).
Alonzo's story is both compelling and potentially heartbreaking, like those of the many Dreamers I have met online and offline. The Dreamers and the movement they built from the ground up, with very little outside support, is a constant source of inspiration and positive energy for me. It gives me hope that other migrant groups like deported veterans, separated families, and LGBT migrants (none of these groups being mutually exclusive) will be able to build forward momentum as the Dreamers have. I had not felt this sense of hope until quite recently, and I don't feel I am exaggerating when I say I can feel it is changing my life for the better.
Alonso was brought to the United States from Peru when he was 14 years old. Eight years later, he is being deported for reasons we cannot comprehend. On March 14, 2009, Alonso and a friend went to visit some friends at Western Washington University and rather than driving back home late at night they decided to stay at their friends ' place. The next morning, not being familiar with the area they took a wrong turn on the highway and ended up near the Canadian Border. Alonso was stopped by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) authorities and when it was discovered that he was undocumented, he was arrested and jailed for 2 weeks. He is set to be deported on September 25th with a flight ticket scheduled for September 17 to a country he barely knows.
Alonso has lived in the United States for 8 years. He has never had any problems with the law. All he ever wanted to do was to go to school and have a successful career - but our country's laws prevented him from continuing his career path after he graduated from the University of Washington. It would be a disservice to both him and to our country's values to deport him.
We urge you to immediately take action to stop the deportation of Alonso by singing the petition below.
We, as leaders and allies to the grassroots youth movement:
1- UNDERSTAND that Alonso’s story is just one of numerous others, and we should not have to save each one of them case by case, because unfortunately, many end up falling through the cracks.
2- RECOGNIZE the urgency in passing a private bill that would allow this American to stay in the country where he has been shaped.
3- WILL PUSH for the enactment of the DREAM Act (H.R.1751 and S.729) now!. It is the key piece of legislation and it is of utmost importance to millions of undocumented students like Alonso currently living in the shadows.
4- DEMAND a meeting with the Department of Homeland Security to halt all deportations of those eligible for the DREAM Act. If we continue our ruthless raids and senseless deportations, the DREAM Act will not be able to save those who need it most.
Herta's Deportation Postponed!
Published August 19, 2009 @ 06:18PM PT
Thank you to all of you who participated in the effort to stop honors student Herta Llusho's deportation--today she was issued an order of supervision and given until November 9 to report back to her local DHS office with her mother. This is great news!! Herta and her family have succeeded in getting half of what Herta needs from DHS.
But an order of supervision is not a great position to be in. At any moment, DHS could revoke the order and detain Herta and her mother. Please ask DHS to grant Herta deferred action on her case so that she and her family can breathe again and so that her senseless deportation does not go forward before the DREAM Act is even voted on.
If those who oppose the DREAM Act on its merits, not as a matter of strategy (I'm talking about people who think the 1965 Act was a terrible mistake and Chinese Exclusion was a great idea), are eager to see Herta deported and all the other Dreamers deported, then I have a solution. Why not call the DREAM Act for an up or down vote? Let the democratic process work as intended.
For those who support the DREAM Act but believe it should wait as a matter of strategy, I ask you to lay out that strategy. Some of us think the DREAM Act has a good shot at passing. Why not move it forward in the legislative calendar?
I ask this question not necessarily with a specific answer in mind. Is there a valid reason for not voting on DREAM when it already has enough support to pass? Is comprehensive reform really doomed to failure if the DREAM Act passes first? If you think so, then let's talk about it, let's have this conversation out in the open instead of through back channels and behind closed doors. We call on the government to be more transparent all the time. I think it's time to be a little more transparent ourselves and open this discussion up.
In the meantime, congratulations to Herta, her mother, her amazing brother Lirjon, and to everyone who helped in her incredible and inspiring campaign.
Herta's Community Stepped Up to Stop Her Deportation: Will You?
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!
Today's Actions for Herta Llusho
Published August 18, 2009 @ 06:06AM PT
Updated with actions to take today, August 18, 2009.
In order of priority:
- Call Janet Napolitano, Director of Department of Homeland Security, and leave comments of support for Herta and also ask that DHS stop her deportation: 202-282-8495 **note this is an answering machine, once it is full it is out of commission for day. Fill it up now with Herta calls.
- Call Assistant Secretary to ICE, John Morton and leave a message urging him to take action and defer Herta’s deportation: 202.732.3000 **Note this is a live comment line, i.e. a human being will pick up and take your message.** Be very polite “I am calling to leave a message of support for Herta Llusho who is being deported tomorrow, <insert talking point>. I ask that Director Morton contact Field Director Vincent Clausen and defer Herta’s deportation, she is an asset to this country.”
- Call LaSal Austin, director of the local DHS in Michigan, at 313-259-8562. Urge him to take legislators’ (Senator Carl Levin and congresswoman Kilpatrick) leads and take immediate action to defer the deportation of Herta Llusho.
- Join the facebook group for immediate updates: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=111108019510
- Sign petition which will be hand-delivered to targets: http://www.change.org/actions/view/stop_deportation_of_dream_student_herta_llusho
- Use SEIU Click to Call Action Tool to call DHS: http://call.seiu.org/9/hertadhs
- Send a FAX to DHS, copy and paste talking points and send: http://action.seiu.org/writeice4herta
For the next calls you need to be very specific about your ask, these members have already voiced their support however now we need them to directly call assistant secretary to ICE John Morton and ask that he defer deportation. If the members call it will make an impact, much more than if their staff or if they call.
So the ASK: “Hi, I know that the member is in support of Herta Llusho’s struggle to stop her deportation, I am now calling to ask that the member DIRECTLY call the assistant secretary to ICE, John Morton, to ask that he stop Herta’s deportation. I know that his staff may have called someone at ICE but I am asking that the member themeselves call John Morton’s office directly. Thanks.”
- Call Senator Carl Levin at both his DC office - (202) 224-6221 – and his Detroit office - (313) 226-6020.
- Call Senator Stabenow at both her DC office – (202) 224-4822 – and her Detroit office – (313) 961-4330. **Stabenow herself will be in detroit office today, hit em up!
- Call Congresswoman Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick at both her DC office – (202) 225-2261 - and her Detroit office - (313) 965-9004.
Call in Script:
I am calling on behalf of Herta Llusho (A#96-139-441), an undocumented student who is facing deportation back to Albania on August 19th. Herta has lived in Detroit since she was 11, she went to Pierce Middle School and Grosse Pointe South High School. Herta excelled in everything during high school, graduating with a 4.05 gpa and she has continued to excel after high school. She has been very active in our community volunteering at homeless shelters, summer day camps, and tutoring programs, in addition to a lot of other things with her church.
Talking points to use (don’t need to use all, pick and choose):
• I’m writing to ask Michigan ICE Field Officer, Vincent Clausen to defer action on Herta Llusho’s deportation and review her case.
• Herta’s case number is A-96-139-441.
• Herta is scheduled to be deported to Albania on August 19th.
• Herta submitted a deferred action in February 2009 and it has yet to be adjudicated.
• Herta’s parents brought her to the U.S. at the age of eleven with a dream of giving her a better life.
• They worked hard to provide for Herta and raised her to believe in the American Dream. She graduated from high school with a 4.05 GPA and is a high achieving freshman at the University of Detroit Mercy school of electrical engineering.
• Herta’s story illustrates the need for Congress passing the DREAM Act. This bill would provide kids, like Herta, with a way to stay in the greatest country on earth. And Herta is exactly the kind of person the DREAM Act is intended to help.
• Kids like Herta were brought here at an age where they had no say in the matter.
• They have overcome language barriers and, in many cases poverty, to succeed.
• They include valedictorians, class presidents and other honor students. These
excellent role models should be given the chance to succeed.
• As President Obama has said in support of the DREAM Act, “these students are now children of the United States.” Herta is the kind of person that the DREAM Act is intended to help.
• Defer Herta’s deportation until Congress passes comprehensive immigration reform and the DREAM Act.
• Sen. Levin and Congresswoman Kilpatrick have already written a letter to Assistant Secretary, United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) John T. Morton requesting prosecutorial discretion in Herta’s case.
On July 1st DHS deferred Walter Lara’s deportation, on July 24th DHS deferred Taha’s deportation and now, on August 19th, Herta is set to be deported to Albania. Herta has lived in Michigan for most of her teen years, this is the country that she calls home and has done everything in to make sure she succeeds, lets do our part to make sure her dream (and ours) becomes a reality!
If we are going to stop this we need everyone’s support, read Herta’s story and then call each of the targets and demand that they do something about her deportation. Then forward this on to your family and friends to do the same.
Michiganders Take Action: Go to Herta's Rally
Published August 17, 2009 @ 09:44AM PT
[Ed.: The information below was in my inbox from SEIU. Read about Herta's story here. If you are in Detroit or Michigan, please go to Herta's rally tonight (Monday) at 7:00 p.m. in Detroit. She is getting deported on Wednesday. Ask your friends and neighbors to go. If you know anyone in Michigan who cares about immigrant rights and the Dream Act, ask them to go, to call, to get involved. You can make a difference!]
Herta Llusho, a 19 year old college freshman and a National Honors Society high school graduate, will be deported on August 19th, unless Dept. of Homeland Security Secretary Napolitano intervenes.
Join community members and supporters of the DREAM Act in Detroit for a Hope for Herta Community Gathering.
What: Hope for Herta Community Gathering
Where: Hope Community Church of Detroit, 14456 E Jefferson Avenue, Detroit, MI 48215-2934.
Time: Monday, August 17 from 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Host: Joaquin Guerra
Location:Hope Community Church of Detroit, (Detroit, MI)
14456 E Jefferson Avenue
Detroit, MI 48215Maps:Yahoo! Maps
