Many readers will remember the saga of Monica and Jose. She's been my friend since she was about 5-years-old!
If you need a refresher, just type Monica into the search tool on this page and you can read past posts. The following message came to me on March 21.
What joyous news for this great young woman and her family!
Our struggle has been more than worth it. It is an example of community work at its very best and highest expression
Now we need to direct our attention to the work of comprehensive immigration reform, including passage of the DREAM Act.
Dear family and friends,
I am happy to announce that I am now DACAmented
:D (DACA documented... get it?)
I am happy to announce that I have been approved
for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), which means my deportation
proceedings have been closed and I am now like any other DREAMer without the
fear of being in deportation proceedings again. Based on this new program I am
able to attain a work permit that will be valid for a period of two years and
may be renewed, and I am currently working on the process of attaining my
driver's license.
I would like to thank everybody from the bottom
of my heart for all of your support, blessings, prayers and presence in mine
and my family's life, we are so grateful to know such wonderful people.
What I have today would not be if it wasn't for all of y'all help. I will keep
you updated and please let me know if there is anything I can do to give back.
Much Love,
Monica Ibarra
P.S. Alan (my youngest brother) is currently
awaiting approval of his DACA application. We will keep you updated on that
too.
______________________
Throughout Monica's entire ordeal, her attorney, Liz Cedillo-Pereira stood by her, fought for her, counseled her and prayed for her and all of us. Here's what Liz sent to Monica upon receiving the great news:
I like that phrase "DACAmented!"
And, I am so very proud and happy for you. Your life has
enriched my own. And, I have no doubt that this valley you have walked in
since 2009 will be used as a testament to the unbreakable sprit and
determination of a young woman named Monica Ibarra. You know that God has
His hand on you and called you to service and I can only imagine all the great
things that are in store for you and our world because of you in it.
You will always be in my heart and Ms. Helen's.
Love,
Liz
