Another Dreamer gains the "prize"

Ianus · 01-14-2008, 04:17 PM

There hasn't been much news lately in the Congress,but as time goes on possible Dream act students appear to be finding their way.This time the accomplishment goes to a once undocumented Student who has found his way to the "prize".

Quote:

Marcelino Benitez said his best academic year was 12th grade. He got all A's and B's, learned to install heating and air-conditioning systems in a vocational training program and won a college scholarship. But unlike many of his classmates, he dreaded graduation. After that ceremony, the Mexican immigrant had a diploma from Virginia but still lacked the other documents he needed to make his way in the United States.

"I was thinking, 'After high school, I am done. This is the end of me,' " recalled the 2006 graduate of Dominion High School in Sterling. "Without my Social Security card, I thought I was never going to be anybody."

For illegal immigrants, public school is a rare refuge. There's no requirement to prove legal immigration status to enroll in school. But the transition into the adult world can be abrupt. About 65,000 illegal immigrants graduate from U.S. high schools every year, unable to work legally and often unable to afford college without access to in-state tuition or government-backed financial aid, according to the Urban Institute.

These students pose special challenges for guidance counselors and other educators. Some have scouted out ways to help undocumented graduates pay for college. A few have sought to open more doors for promising students, delving into the maze of immigration law and attempting to help them legalize their status.

Benitez, now 21, found help from two parent liaisons and a guidance counselor who run a homework club at Dominion High for English language learners. They contacted their congressman and hired an immigration specialist to speed up his stalled resident visa application.

Nearly two years later, after spending about $10,000 and more than a year back in Mexico, Benitez has a fresh visa pasted into his passport. Now he is back in Northern Virginia, ready to pursue more skilled jobs in construction and eager to earn a degree in psychology or theology.

"I can finally do what I want to do," he said.

Sayuri Jane · 01-14-2008, 04:22 PM

since coming to DAP, stories like this now warm my heart. i am ashamed to say this but i used to get jealous and would wonder why not me. i'm really thankful to all of you guys.

01-14-2008, 04:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Africana

since coming to DAP, stories like this now warm my heart. i am ashamed to say this but i used to get jealous and would wonder why not me. i'm really thankful to all of you guys.

He had to go back to Mexico and spend lots of money... Would all of us had done that if we were given the chance to? Some might, but a lot of people will still gripe and complain.

pingpong abyss · 01-14-2008, 04:38 PM

How did he do that?

dreamact1982 · 01-14-2008, 04:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jourbalist

He had to go back to Mexico and spend lots of money... Would all of us had done that if we were given the chance to? Some might, but a lot of people will still gripe and complain.

Sounds like CIR compromise to me that was in the Senate.........Touchback, pay a fine, get a new visa

01-14-2008, 04:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dreamact1982

Sounds like CIR compromise to me that was in the Senate.........Touchback, pay a fine, get a new visa

I wouldn't mind doing that if there was a 100% guarantee that I'd get the visa for sure. I hope CIR in 09 would be better than that though...

Swim19 · 01-14-2008, 05:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pingpong abyss

How did he do that?

if you read the article fully, he applied through his citizen stepfather, but the misfiling of his visa application caused problems.

pingpong abyss · 01-14-2008, 05:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Swim19

if you read the article fully, he applied through his citizen stepfather, but the misfiling of his visa application caused problems.

Ohhh.

Thanks for being not-lazy for me.

FrankV · 01-14-2008, 05:20 PM

I truly believe that the Dream Act will pass in 09', but more Democrats have to win more seats in the House and Senate. If the Hispanic vote makes a big impact in 08', I believe congress will have to pass a bill with some type of legalization.

Swim19 · 01-14-2008, 05:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pingpong abyss

Ohhh.

Thanks for being not-lazy for me.

lol! you're welcome!

S	M	T	W	T	F	S
			1	2	3	4
5	6	7	8	9	10	11
12	13	14	15	16	17	18
19	20	21	22	23	24	25
26	27	28	29	30

They need you!

Forum links

Resources

Join our list

National calendar of events

April

Another Dreamer gains the "prize"