Government Decides not to Deport Illegal Immigrant and Symbol of the Dream Act

The U.S. government has decided not the deport Benita Veliz, a 26 year old Texas student, who became a symbol of the Dream Act. On Wednesday, a court closed her immigration case and stated they will not move to deport her back to Mexico.

Veliz, who was a high school valedictorian, came to the states when she was eight years old. Her family entered the country by bus and did not have the proper documentation to work or live in the U.S. This happens to a number of students, whose parents don’t acquire legal status through immigration attorneys.

The overwhelming number of young people brought to the states by their parents was the inspiration for the Dream Act. The act allows minors, who are brought into the U.S by their parents, have graduated high school or an institution of higher learning or served in the military, to have legal residence as long as they are in good moral standing. 

If Veliz had been deported, she would have to wait 10 years before she could return to the U.S., where she was raised. Entering the country without a visa obtained by an immigration lawyer makes it difficult to eventually become a naturalized citizen.

Even though Veliz won’t be deported, legally she cannot work in the country despite having graduated from St. Mary’s College in 2006. Veliz was arrested in 2009 for not having a driver’s license and turned over to immigration authorities.

The visa and naturalization process is a long and arduous process, even with an immigration attorney, but allows immigrants the chance to lead a fully realized American life.