Texas DREAMER’s Suicide Linked to Fears of Deportation
Joaquin Luna, an 18-year-old Texas DREAM Act student, recently took his life, and his family told KGBT News in Harlingen, Texas, that the young man left behind letters saying he was worried about his immigration status and the failure of Congress to pass the DREAM Act.
The DREAM Act is a common-sense immigration bill for students like Joaquin who were brought to the United States at a young age. It would give conditional legal status and eventual citizenship to undocumented students who meet a series of stringent criteria. The House passed the DREAM Act last December, but Republicans sidelined the bill in the Senate.
In a statement released today, Texas AFL-CIO President Becky Moeller says Joaquin’s death “is a tragic reminder of the toll of inaction.”
Joaquin’s suicide is a grave tragedy for his family and community, Texas and the future of our nation. Joaquin was a young child when he came to the U.S. He dreamt of being an engineer and giving back to the only country he called home. He experienced extraordinary challenges as an undocumented youth that no young person should have to face.
Click here for the full statement.
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