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NogalesJose Rivera considered himself a regular American teenager, until he learned that, unlike his four sisters, he is not American. His mother brought him to Tempe, Arizona from Guadelajara when he was two. When he grew old enough to get a job, employers kept turning him down. His mother explained he did not have a social security number, so he could not work legally. She got him a fake number so he could get a job in a pizza kitchen.

Three days after being arrested for having a fight with a friend after his shift, Jose sat on the porch of Grupo Beta, a government agency devoted to the protection of migrants in Nogales, Sonora, still wearing his pizzeria work shirt. With no social security number or photo ID, Tempe police turned him over to Immigrations and Customs Enforcement. Jose joined the hundreds of returning immigrants who are brought to the Mariposa-Nogales port each day and sent walking into Mexico.

Each year, roughly 80,000 undocumented children like Jose turn 18 and become adults in the United States, according to research by the non-partisan Urban Institute. National public debate about how to deal with the immigration status of these young people has recently focused on the proposed DREAM - Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors - Act, which would provide a path to citizenship for qualifying undocumented aliens illegally brought to the United States as children. The DREAM Act was included in an overhaul of national immigration laws that floundered in the Senate in the spring of 2007 over partisan divides. It will probably not come up for debate again until 2009.

Jose paused and watched as a line of new arrivals passed into the Grupo Beta offices. He says he still finds it difficult to comprehend how quickly life as he knew it could change. He had a job, a girlfriend, a car, a rented apartment, and a high-school education: but no papers.

Posted: May 28, 2008

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comments

Comment by Virgini | 2008-05-29
I hope that the United States Government analyzes the Dream Act. These are innocent kids who can be an assett to our country. Give them a chance.
Comment by David | 2008-06-18
I'm In the same predicament. I haven't been caught by immigration, but I can't use my degree that I earned, that I paid for myself without finnacial aid. I am an Architectural draftsman with job offers, yet I cannot work legaly. I have to work as a construction laborer because that is the only tyoe if job that I can obtain with my counterfeit Social Security Card. Something must be Done! Please Contact your senators, and representatives.
Comment by Robb | 2008-06-20
The real blame for the problem there individuals face should be put where it belongs, on the parents. These people should not be here at all and then they have the gall to compalin that the United States is treating them unjustly. Disgusting.
Comment by Pedro | 2008-06-25
They should pass the DREAM act, but unfortunately senators are too scared and think it will not sit well with minutemen bigots like Robb here.
Comment by Dean | 2008-06-27
His mother broke the law in order to enter the country, because of her actions he must suffer the consequences. Laws exist for reasons, and enforcement of such laws is necessary in order to maintain stability and security. It is not the responsibility of the United States government, its citizens or institutions to provide support and benefits to illegal aliens, nor should it. This money should not be wasted on individuals who are unfortunately not entitled to it. There are plenty of U.S. citizens in need of financial assistance. There are also plenty of underfunded and under performing school districts that are in dire need of receiving adequate funding! I will not stand to see these vital funds go to illegal aliens. I pay taxes for a reason, and sure that pot hole out front never gets fixed but I'll be damned if my tax money pay for their education! This bill is UNCONSTITUTIONAL, Cedillo is a committing TREASON by advocating solely for the advancement of individuals who have broken the law in order to enter the country.
Comment by K | 2008-07-12
It is the hatefulness of people like Dean and Robb that keep the world as it is. Ruled by racism, bigotry, hate, superiority and self righteousness. This is America people!! The land of opportunity and the free- yeah right, not since you arrogant a**holes decided that only true Americans are the only ones deserving enough to live here. There are tons of good hearted immigrants that deserve a chance at the American Dream- who are you to decide whether they are worthy? A lot of them are probably better people than you will ever be. Stop being so selfish and hateful!! The more you spout your ignorance, the more volatile and hateful the world has become. I hope you one day find yourself in a position where you need someones help and instead receive karma's just deserts.
Comment by Chris | 2008-07-18
So K, if someone is against tax-payer funded programs and benefits for illegal immigrants, they are hateful, racist, ignorant, etc.? That's a joke. Who are "they" to decide? They are Citizens and taxpayers, however "ignorant" they may or may not be. America is supposed to be a nation, not a free for all for people who don't care about the welfare of teh Nation at all. Sorry, but we just can't help everyone who simply "shows up"., however "unfair" it seems to you.
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