Dozens crammed into Congressman David Rivera’s office to sign up for deferred action – temporary permission to stay in the U.S. ”This process will provide a temporary period of security and the opportunity to work legally in the United States,” says Rivera. ”It’s a big step in a positive direction.”
Daniela Pelaez is North Miami High’s 2012 valedictorian who drew national attention when she faced a judge’s self-deportation order earlier this year… she wants to spread a message of hope to others in her position. ”Pretty grateful to be put in this position where I could help and give advice to a lot younger kids or kids who aren’t as fortunate as myself to have a lawyer or to have the help that I’ve been getting.”
Nineteen year-old Juan Aljure came from Colombia at the age of five.. and overstayed a visa. The Miami Beach High grad is now studying mechanical engineering at Virginia Tech.
‘”I think I could be a great asset to the country, getting a great education at a great institution, I mean I don’t wanna go anywhere else, I wanna stay here.”
Pelaez secured a two-year extension… but she’s still in limbo too.
“I guess we can say we won the battle but we still have yet to won the war,” she says.
