November 18, 2009
Chicago aldermen approve resolution aimed at helping student avoid deportation
Posted by John Byrne at 2:15 p.m.

The Chicago City Council today approved a resolution urging passage of federal legislation that would allow some undocumented immigrant students to earn conditional residency.

The local tie to the issue is the case of Rigoberto Padilla, who faces deportation to Mexico next month.

Padilla was pulled over for suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol, convicted of a misdemeanor and given court supervision. Authorities reported him to the Department of Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Padilla faces deportation Dec. 16.

Padilla said he realizes he made a mistake, but doesn't believe he should be deported from a country he came to 15 years ago, at age 6.

"I do want to stay in this country. I consider this country my home," Padilla said at a news conference prior to today's City Council meeting.

Several alderman joined him, urging Congress to pass the so-called DREAM Act.

"This government supports those that don't want to go to school, those that don't want to work. It punishes those that do," said Ald. George Cardenas, 12th.


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