The U.S. government has decided not the deport Benita Veliz,
a 26 year old Texas student, who became a symbol of the Dream Act. On Wednesday,
a court closed her immigration case and stated they will not move to deport her
back to Mexico.

Veliz, who was a high school valedictorian, came to the
states when she was eight years old. Her family entered the country by bus and
did not have the proper documentation to work or live in the U.S. This happens
to a number of students, whose parents don’t acquire legal status through immigration attorneys.

The overwhelming number of young people brought to the
states by their parents was the inspiration for the Dream Act. The act allows
minors, who are brought into the U.S by their parents, have graduated high
school or an institution of higher learning or served in the military, to have
legal residence as long as they are in good moral standing. 

If Veliz had been deported, she would have to wait 10 years
before she could return to the U.S., where she was raised. Entering the country
without a visa obtained by an immigration
lawyer makes it difficult to eventually become a naturalized citizen.

Even though Veliz won’t be deported, legally she cannot work
in the country despite having graduated from St. Mary’s College in 2006. Veliz was arrested in 2009 for not having a driver’s license
and turned over to immigration authorities.

The visa and naturalization process is a long and arduous
process, even with an immigration attorney, but allows immigrants the chance to lead a fully realized
American life.