Angelo Cabrera on graduation day at Baruch College.
America’s immigration system is severely broken. The story of Angelo Cabrera is exactly what is wrong with our system and a perfect illustration of why we need immigration reform.
In the 24 years Angelo Cabrera lived in New York State as an undocumented person, he earned two university degrees and worked tirelessly in the community. Cabrera founded a social services organization-the Mexican-American Students Alliance (MASA)-which promotes education and civic engagement projects in New York.
Through MASA, Angelo worked with the USA Census 2010 project to promote trust in the American census among Mexican American communities by developing a social marketing outreach strategy based on three principles -- “Trust”, “Support” and “Cultural Sensitivity.”
All of his civic engagement earned him numerous commendations from New York elected officials, including the Speaker of the New York City Council, a New York State Senator and Assembly person, in addition to the New York State Attorney General.
Last year, Angelo was offered a position at Baruch College as the community and social services specialist, but before he could accept the job, he needed to fix his immigration status. Mr. Cabrera, wanting to do the right thing, returned to Mexico last year to try to legalize his status.
Now, Angelo Cabrera is stuck in Mexico—the Customs and Border Protection Admissibility Review Office denied his petition to return to the US. Given his resume, commendations, and letters of support, his lawyers and supporters were shocked at the denial.
And in a cruel twist of fate, under President Obama’s immigration initiatives, had he stayed, he would have been allowed to remain and work legally in the US.
Mr. Cabrera is a shining example of the American dream and the important role immigrants play in making this country a better place. His story is exactly why our system is broken and needs reform.
There is hope—USCIS can reconsider his case. It takes a request from a high level member of the government—New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand could ask USCIS to reconsider his case. Hopefully, Mr. Cabrera will be allowed back in the U.S. so he can take his position at Baruch College and continue his work serving New York.
Please, sign the petition asking Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand to request that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services reconsider the case of Angelo Cabrera.
Wed Mar 25, 2015 at 11:24 AM PT: Because of activism led by Daily Kos and partners Angelo's case has been re-opened. We will have an action update available shortly.