Deportation Proceedings Dropped Against Binational Couple

In a piece of news that has immigration and marriage equality advocates alike cheering, immigration officials have dropped deportation proceedings against Henry Velandia, a Venezuelan man legally married to his partner, Josh Vandiver, in Connecticut in 2010.

The case has attracted a lot of attention over recent weeks as the salsa dancer and undocumented immigrant fought to remain in the country he had adopted with the husband he married.  With the current administration's no-defend policy of DOMA and relaxed immigration guidelines, the couple were hopeful that Henry could remain and those hopes have been fulfilled.

From the NYT:

"Immigration lawyers and gay rights advocates said the decision represented a significant shift in policy and could open the door to the cancellation of deportations for other immigrants in same-sex marriages.

"'This action shows that the government has not only the power but the inclination to do the right thing when it comes to protecting certain vulnerable populations from deportation,' said the couple’s lawyer, Lavi Soloway."

Congrats to Henry and Josh!  And btw-- aren't they the cutest couple ever?

Video: DREAMers In The Republican National Committee HQ

DREAM act students have officially become my favorite activists-- they're so freaking inspiring I get goosebumps every time I see them in action.

Via Carlos In DC:

"Today I experienced history, when I saw a group of brave, highly motivated young Americans walking in the headquarters of the most hateful and divisive political party in the United States, and leaving behind a message of peace, solidarity and justice.

"A group of about 80-100 young undocumented students walked in the headquarters of the Republican National Committee this afternoon, asking to be seeing by the chairman or vice-chairman. They waited for at least 20 minutes, until an old White lady came out to talk, but she listened patiently."

I am no stranger to protests or arrests, but I have a lot less to lose than these amazing people.  Their bravery in coming out as undocumented places them not just at risk of violence and discrimination, but deportation.  Every time they participate in direct action, they gamble with their future and could possibly lose their education due to deportation.  God bless these guys.  They are truly amazing.

Administration Eases Up On DREAM Eligible Students

The White House quietly issued a memo from Barack Obama's immigration chief instructing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials to prioritize deportations of undocumented immigrants to make it easier for students to stay in the country to complete their educations.

From Mother Jones:

"Has President Barack Obama found a way to enact the principles of the DREAM Act—the bill that would prevent the deportation of young undocumented immigrants who are students or military veterans—without passing the measure itself? Unable to move this legislation through the Republican-controlled Congress, the Obama administration has used its executive authority to shape immigration policy in line with the DREAM Act. This month, in a little-noticed move, Obama's immigration chief advised Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials to use discretion when considering whether to deport certain undocumented immigrants who are particularly vulnerable or have strong community ties to the country. That is, go easy on the sort of undocumented immigrants that the DREAM Act could benefit, among others."

Hmmm.  This reminds me, a bit, of his refusal to defend DOMA.  Instead of making bold decisions, issuing executive orders, and actively pushing for legislation to right social wrongs in our country, he seems to be attempting to make things better for marginalized populations through quieter, hard-to-notice means.  Is this going to benefit him in the long run?

There are some who are certainly not that happy about the memo, with some ICE officials calling it a "law enforcement nightmare" and the Daily Caller saying, "President Barack Obama’s administration is quietly offering a quasi-amnesty for hundreds of thousands of illegal immigrants."

Either way, I hope this does indeed make the struggle to stay in America easier for immigrant students.