Pulitzer Award Winning journalist Jose Antonio Vargas comes out as a DREAMer - Page 3

Wow. Incredible article. I think I got a little teary-eyed towards the end. I guess the feeling of being undocumented never truly goes away despite all the success you achieve. Which is incredibly depressing to hear.

Still, he's a brave man and a hero for our cause. Coming out twice in-front of everyone despite the repercussions. I don't know if I'll ever have that type of valor. Here's hoping the best for him and for us.

hear him share his story:
https://www.youtube.com/user/DefineA.../1/TJH1IKqF8PA

There we go. Thank you!

I thank a wonderful IYJL member for sharing the past two links which really provide a lot more to the already wonderful story.

Here is Jose's new project: http://defineamerican.org/

Here is the full length story: http://defineamerican.org/page/feature/jose-story

From all the supportive comments on ABC / Huffington Post, I am not sure if you guys missed the irony regarding the Dream Act. Jose is NOT qualified for the current Dream Act of 2011. From the full length story, he turned 30 on Feb 3, 2011. He has aged out. How ironic!!!! This is why I want the retroactive provision of Dream Act 2009 bring back.

Many dreamers who qualified for all provisions have aged out. These guys already have one or more college degrees. The retroactive provision should include dreamers who have a BS / MS / PhD degree already on the date the act is passed. Why disqualify them from Dream Act due to their age? Not sure how people could abuse this provision? Perhaps, the degree must be from one of the more credible colleges or universities. Regardless, these dreamers have already graduated from an institution of higher learning.

Depends what version of the DREAM Act passes. Some versions of the DREAM Act have the age limit at 35. He can still qualify under those versions.

Although, I do agree that I wish we didn't have to leave out so many dreamers out because they aged out. Hope we can reach an agreement on something for them or have some version of CIR pass that can help them out.

Isn't the current version that is starting to appear bringing the age back up to 35?

In any case, I agree with you, the retroactive provision was unnecessarily taken of, it particularly eliminates applicants that will not even take out a loan for their education because they already got the degrees, they can start working right away and meet every other requirement with the exception of their current age.

what a guy for stepping it up !!! cheers !!!

Indeed it is:

(F) the alien was 35 years of age or younger on the date of the enactment of this Act.

Link

I'm pretty sure if he gets deported he can easily get a job in another country. He's highly qualified very talented. What a loss to the U.S. and a gain of another.