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We Are Marie

By March 28, 2006No Comments

Marie Gonzalez is a 19-year old honor student from Missouri who was facing deportation on July 5. Marie is just one of the 65,000 students who graduate from US high school annually who would benefit from the DREAM Act.Nationally, immigrant communities came together to announce that “We Are Marie,” bringing to light Marie’s story and other immigrant students like her who urgently need the DREAM Act to have a chance at higher education and a future.As a result of their efforts, the Department of Homeland Security granted Marie a one year deferment of deportation.Unfortunately her parents are not able to stay in the US with her. Marie and her family serves as another example of how the immigration system tears families apart and the urgent need for comprehensive immigration reform and the DREAM Act.The following are just some of the events that took place:

New York
YKASEC and the New York State DREAM Act Task Force held a rally to bring attention to Kamal, another student facing deportation.Advocates, teachers and students expressed discontent with the US’ broken immigration system which is taking away promising students like Kamal and Marie.

Los Angeles
KRC and NAKASEC in conjunction with the Los Angeles DREAM Team Coalition worked together on the Marie Gonzalez Week of Action.Included in the week was a press event highlighting several students from Southern California who would also benefit from the DREAM Act.Call in actions to Senator Dianne Feinstein and Representatives Edward Royce and Loretta Sanchez were also held to urge their support once the bill was re-introduced.Finally, a solidarity vigil for Marie bringing together youth, community organizations, and faith-based leaders finished the week.

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