Dear friends,

Today is my 24 Birthday…and I am at home with my family and friends! This is largely due to the support you have shown me. A few months ago I didn’t even want to think about my Birthday because I thought by now I could very well have been deported, but thanks to your support and prayers I’m still here!

Just in case you are wondering…the next step in my case is going back to court on September 9. I should have an update after this date.

I had the opportunity to be at the National DREAM Act Graduation a couple of weeks ago. It was an amazing experience! To learn more about it, visit www.dreamactivist.org. There is video of the speeches given (including my own), as well as pictures and links to articles.

I want to extend a big thank you to Representative Charles Gonzalez for introducing a private bill for me: http://www.opencongress.org/bill/111-h3064/show

If you have a minute, please give him a call ( 202-225-3236) or an email to say thank you:http://www.gonzalez.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=170

Finally, please remember that the DREAM Act still has not passed and we have to continue to advocate for it. Please don’t forget to call your Senators and Reps, or send emails or letters, to show your support for the act. These really do make a difference and they really are very important. To find out the contact info for your Senator, visit http://senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm

To find out who your representative is and how to contact them, visit: http://whoismyrepresentative.com/

Again, thank you for your unwavering support.

With Infinite Gratitude,

Benita Veliz