In one week, Rigo Padilla could be deported back to Mexico.
There are only a few ways it can be stopped.
Immigration Customs and Enforcement can show mercy and give him a stay of deportation.
Congress could pass a private bill to stop the deportation of this local young man. U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.) introduced a bill last week on behalf of Padilla.
But at the glacial pace Congress has been working at it could co
me too late.
"We're working on it constantly," said Trevor Kincaid, communications director with Congresswoman Schakowsky.
Schakowsky also has reached out to Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano on Padilla's behalf.
"Right now the ball is in ICE's court," Kincaid said.
We are talking about ICE under President Obama not Bush. Aren't they supposed to be kinder and more compassionate?
Isn't this the president who promised us comprehensive immigration reform?
This also is a president who also said he supported the DREAM Act. This would help legalize youth like Padilla who were brought here by their parents and complete two years of college or military service.
But we have an administration that could send a 21-year-old young man who is an A student and a leader in his community back to a country he hasn't seen since he was 6 years old.
Why?
In previous blog posts, I wrote how Padilla made a terrible mistake by drinking and driving.
He was arrested by police in January and given supervision. But it won't result in a conviction. There was no accident. Nobody was hurt in the incident.
Padilla admitted he had been drinking beer and he rolled through a stop sign when he was stopped by police.
But in the legal process it was uncovered that he is undocumented and immigration officials began deportation proceedings.
But this one mistake, which alone isn't legal cause for deportation, will forever change his life.
Padilla has apologized. He has admitted his mistake.
It could ruin his future. But if it happened to a U.S. citizen, he or she would be given another chance.
Many have rallied to Padilla's side, including the Chicago City Council. They passed a resolution in support of Padilla and the DREAM Act.
Among the most vocal supporters of Padilla were Aldermen George Cardenas, Ricardo Munoz, Danny Solis and Manny Flores.
The Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights also has brought Padilla's case to public attention.
But as local officials and leaders they cannot change the immigration laws. What we need is federal immigration reform and the passage of the DREAM Act.
This is proposed federal legislation which Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) co-sponsored. Ironically, Durbin has not come out in support of Padilla.
If Congress had passed the DREAM Act when it failed in 2007, Padilla could apply and wouldn't be facing deportation.
Our federal lawmakers and President Obama must have the courage to help those immigrants who came here as children and who are essentially American.
Padilla wants to contribute to this country and become a lawyer. We should give a young man who had been a model immigrant until this one mistake that chance.
If we continue to turn a blind eye to youth like Padilla, then I fear what kind of country we will become.
Filed under: Hispanic, immigration, Mexico, politics
Tags: Chicago City Coucil, Dream Act, ICE, immigration reform, Jan Schakowsky, Janet Napolitano, Rigo Padilla
Teresa, I believe that everything happens for a reason. This might be good for the young man and don't see it ruining his future. He is an educated man who can bring some good to Mexico. I lived and traveled to Mexico numerous times and noticed that the country is run by elite people. He can get a law degree there and possibly run for public office and help change the political climate in Mexican government. It is a country that is desperate need of a political change! Also, since no one was hurt in traffic arrest does not excuse his behavior. What if..... he did get in an accident and hurt someone?
"But this one mistake, which alone isn't legal cause for deportation, will forever change his life.
Padilla has apologized. He has admitted his mistake."
Hmmm, I believe his first mistake IS BEING HERE ILLEGALLY!
Wake up, there's a path to being here legally. And when you disregard the laws of a country you live in, sorry, but you need to get the boot.
Hopefully our stupid politcians will get their head out of their rumps, and support the laws on the books. I'm sure he's sorry. Now.
You are right on target, Teresa. He, and many other atudents who came to the US with their parents when they were little should bear no responsibility for what their parents did. There is so much talent being wasted because they are not allowed to go to college! Oh! but they are welcome in the army, for sure! If our undocumented Latino youth are good enough for "defending" this country, they should be good enough to deserve an education and citizenship.