Many people grow up without having any concerns or questions about their legal status to be in the United States. Yet, there are incidents where teens or young adults try to file for services, join the military or even try to get a driver’s license only to then realize they are not in the country legally. Anyone in Maryland who is unsure of their status or surprised to learn they do not have the proper legal documents to be here may want to follow the story of a reporter who is facing possible deportation.
The reporter and activist came to the United States from the Philippines when he was 12 years old. When he tried to get a permit to drive a few years later, he was informed his green card was not legitimate. As a reporter, he decided to write about his story and to also make a documentary about the problem he had.
The man acted as an immigration activist due to his own status and used his job to travel and report on immigration issues. Most recently, he flew to Texas to report on the immigration issues making news. He was arrested at the airport. He now could face deportation as a result of not having the proper documentation on him at the airport.
Any deportation situation can be confusing and difficult to navigate for any immigrants, regardless of how long they may have been here. It may also be confusing for Maryland residents to know exactly what to do if they find out they have false documents. Anyone facing these dilemmas and who may be concerned about deportation may benefit from staying abreast of changing immigration laws.
Source: msnbc.com, “Jose Antonio Vargas could face deportation“, Michele Richinick, July 15, 2014