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Arizona Republic Names Erika Andiola as One of "14 Individuals Poised to Change Arizona"

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A very nice – and fitting  — tribute to an amazing activist:

The year is speeding to its conclusion. A new year is poised to begin, full of hope and promise. It’s a new beginning. Who will make a difference? History is driven by events, but also by men and women. There will be many players in 2014. The members of The Arizona Republic editorial board have chosen 14 particularly worth watching. We present seven today and seven Friday.

Erika Andiola, former congressional staffer

It’s not often that the departure of a D.C. staffer gets a press conference, but Erika Andiola had one when she left U.S. Rep. Kyrsten Sinema’s office to fight her mother’s deportation.

Andiola, 26, is an outspoken “dreamer.” She made national news earlier this year when her undocumented brother and mother were arrested on immigration violations. Andiola said it was retribution for her advocacy.

The incident landed her a job at Sinema’s office, and when her mother’s day in court came, she used her departure to circulate petitions asking Immigration and Customs Enforcement for mercy.

It worked: Her mom gets to stay in the country, at least for the time being.

As for Erika? She knows how to work public sentiment and use social media to her advantage. Expect her to become a formidable national voice for immigration reform.

We think Erika already is a formidable national voice for immigration reform.