#DREAM30 Update from NIYA: After Release, Fight Continues for Dreamers Still in Detention

Oct 30, 2013
5:50 PM

Yesterday the National Immigrant Youth Alliance (NIYA) posted that 12 members of the #Dream30 were released. Today, NIYA corrected that to say 11. Here is the latest release it has posted:

NATIONAL—Eleven Dreamers were released from El Paso Processing Center last night. There are six more who passed their credible fear interviews, but are still being needlessly detained. Eight more are awaiting to see an Immigration Judge.

Raul Juarez of New York, Edna Flores of Arizona, Israel Rodriguez of North Carolina, Giselle Gomez of South Carolina, Jesus Gutierrez of Pennsylvania, Leonardo Contreras of New York, Pablo Vivas of California, Lorena Vargas of Arizona, Marcela Espinoza of Illinois, Sandra Paloma of California, Vidal Francisco of Arizona, were released last night. Rocio Hernandez was deported this morning after her request for a stay of removal was denied. Her attorney was not informed until she was already on the plane.

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Many advocates have raised concerns about the harshness with which DHS has applied standards of credible fear.

“Based on the available information, we should be concerned that some of the DREAM30 may not have been treated consistently with our laws designed to protect those whose lives and freedom are threatened in their countries of origin, said Sean Riordan, Staff Attorney, ACLU of San Diego & Imperial Counties. “In particular, the rate of credible fear denials among the DREAM30 seems alarmingly high.”

Representative Zoe Lofgren mentioned Rocio’s case in her request that the Obama Administration use its discretionary powers. Lofgren said in a written letter of support: “Most of these cases are awaiting a decision by an asylum officer, but I am told that two of these individuals, Rocio Hernandez and Erika Isaura Guzman Mata, were recently found not to have a credible fear of persecution and are awaiting a decision by an Immigration Judge,” reads a statement from Lofgren. “I would ask that each of these cases be given a thorough review and that you consider using your considerable discretionary authority to allow these young people to be released from detention and returned to their loved ones. Our broken immigration system has separated far too many families, including those of Rocio and Erika.”

The Obama Administration could release the remaining Dreamers at any time, but has chosen not to do so. We will continue to fight until all Dreamers have a pathway home.