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DREAMers, Family Members Hold Symbolic Citizenship Ceremony Before Yesterday's House GOP Meeting

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By Amanda Bonilla:

Claiming freedom, equality, justice, and citizenship as human rights, yesterday over five hundred United We Dream leaders and their family members from across the nation converged together to carry out a massive symbolic citizenship ceremony. Prior to the Republican caucus meeting over immigration reform, the D­reamers and their families wanted to deliver a clear message to the Republicans: “This is the face of America and this is our home,” as Lorella Praeli, Director of Advocacy and Policy at United We Dream, put it. In her address, Praeli–who came to the United States when she was 2 years old–directed her message towards Speaker Boehner and demanded immigration reform that could allow her mother to go back to Colombia to take care of her sick grandfather, without barring her return.

Emotions stirred when Evelyn Rivera, one of the Dreamers from Operation Butterfly, shared her heartbreaking story. Rivera, originally from Colombia and raised in Orlando, broke into tears when recalling how she was able to reunite (somewhat) with her “beautiful, spirited and loving mother” six years after her mom was deported. However, her reunion with her mother was not like she hoped it would be, because “it was through a 16-foot border fence that I was able to kiss and hug my mother.” After Rivera’s speech, deportees’ families stood up chanting to “bring them back.”

Preceding this action, outspoken immigration reform advocate Rep. Luis Gutierrez (D-IL) once again joined the Dreamers in their fight. Republicans “can delay [immigration], but in the end we will win victory, because justice, equality and freedom are on our side,” stated Gutierrez. Gutierrez also thanked the Dreamers for their hard work.

The family members of Dreamers also participated in the ceremony. They led prayers and shared their perspective. Alejandra Salsedo from Argentina, who is currently living in Florida, talked about the love and strength that propels immigrant families during this fight. “Love is what keep us fighting to endure all struggles,” expressed Salsedo. The ceremony concluded when all the Dreamers and families pledged to keep fighting and to not stop until they win justice for the immigrant community. “We are worth it, we are the future of this nation, we are the American dream,” proclaimed the crowd. Later on the day, the Dreamers moved into the United States Capitol in order to take their push for immigration reform to House members who were getting ready to meet.  There, they recited the United States National Anthem, said the Pledge of Allegiance, and continued insisting: “We’re here and ready for citizenship, and it’s the time for the House of Representatives to deliver.”