Good work, DREAM network!  In order for Julio to stay in the United States, please follow up with the action at the bottom of the post!

Last week, Julio Martinez celebrated his 19th birthday while locked up in a Wisconsin detention center, fearing deportation to Honduras – a country he hardly knows.

Today, Julio is on a church retreat, catching up with his family and friends. This wonderful outcome is a direct result of the outpouring of support from his Frankfort, Kentucky community, his representatives Congressman Chandler and Senator Bunning, and you, DREAM Act students and allies from across the country. Today we see our tremendous collective power, we express our gratitude for Julio’s release, and we thank Julio’s congressional represenatitves. But most important of all, today we say this fight is far from over and we resolve our determination to keep Julio from being deported.
After his 12-hour drive home to Kentucky, Julio thanks us all with this sentiment: “I am so happy I am out. Words cannot express the gratitude I feel. And I will be in touch with you all very soon because this is not over; its not over for me nor all the DREAMers waiting to truly be free.”

Julio still faces deportation despite all of our best efforts. With few legal options remaining to him, we must ensure he stays in his community united with his family. Senator Bunning and Congressman Chandler must introduce a private bill on Julio’s behalf into congress. They will not do this without feeling the pressure, without every single one of us – yes, you too – calling them and hearing our sense of urgency. If they do not act now, their efforts will have been futile. Make sure your message is heard loud and clear – We thank you for all of your support so far, ensure justice and keep Julio reuited with his family – introduce a private bill on his behalf NOW!

Below are the contact numbers for their offices:

1) Senator John Bunning: (202) 224-4343
Ask Senator Bunning to introduce a Private Bill for Julio immediately. Julio is an outstanding young person who knows no other home but the United States. His case has exceptional circumstances and he should not be forced to leave his home and his family.

3) Call Congressman Ben Chandler: (202) 225-4706
Ask Congressman Chandler to introduce a Private Bill for Julio immediately. Julio is an outstanding young person who knows no other home but the United States. His case has exceptional circumstances and he should not be forced to leave his home and his family.