CASA de Virginia Member Liliana Liseth Cruz Méndez Granted One More Year with her Family.
(Virginia) – CASA de Virginia members celebrated the news that Liliana Cruz, a mother of two who fled El Salvador almost a decade ago, would not be deported on July 1 as planned. After weeks of mounting community pressure, Liliana received word this week that ICE had reversed the decision to deport her.
Liliana’s case was championed by Congressman Luis Gutierrez, a national hero to immigrants, who called ICE after meeting Liliana and several other parents at risk of deportation when he spoke last week in Richmond, Virginia.
“The question is whether we will have a modern legal immigration system, workplace and border enforcement, and a way for people who already live here to earn legal status over time.
Right now, House Republicans are preventing even a vote. If there is a vote, immigration reform will pass with strong support from Republicans and nearly unanimous support from Democrats so I am simply asking that the majority of the House that supports reform be given a chance to vote before the clock runs out.” Congressman Luis Gutierrez (IL 4).
Liliana was relieved to receive the news and thanked her many supporters while also committing to stay involved in the struggle to save other moms and dads.
“I felt relieved when I heard the news,” said Cruz. “I don’t have to worry about leaving my kids and my family behind.”
More work remains to be done. Ms. Cruz is just one of the many immigrants facing family separation every day. But today, activists are celebrating that this family will remain together for at least one more year.
“Once again proven that by organizing for justice, great victories are possible.” Said Lindolfo Carballo, Lead Organizer of CASA de Virginia.
