[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 17 (Monday, January 29, 2007)]
[Senate]
[Pages S1288-S1289]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mrs. FEINSTEIN:
  S. 419. A bill for the relief of Esidronio Arreola-Saucedo, Maria 
Elna Cobian Arreola, Nayely Bibiana Arreola, and Cindy Jael Arreola; to 
the Committee on the Judiciary.
  Mrs. FEINSTEIN. Mr. President, I offer today private immigration 
relief legislation to provide lawful permanent residence status to 
Esidronio Arreola-Saucedo, Maria Elena Cobian Arreola, Nayely Bibiana 
Arreola and Cindy Jael Arreola, Mexican nationals living in the Fresno 
area of California.
  Mr. and Mrs. Arreola have lived in the United States for over 20 
years. Two of their five children, Nayely, age 20, and Cindy, age 18, 
also stand to benefit from this legislation. Their other three 
children, Roberto, age 15, Daniel, age 11, and Saray, age 9, are United 
States citizens. Today, Mr. and Mrs. Arreola and their two eldest 
children face deportation.
  The story of the Arreola family is compelling and I believe they 
merit Congress' special consideration for such an extraordinary form of 
relief as a private bill.
  The Arreolas are in this uncertain situation in part because of 
grievous errors committed by their previous counsel, who has since been 
disbarred. In fact, the attorney's conduct was so egregious that it 
compelled an immigration judge to write the Executive Office of 
Immigration Review seeking his disbarment for the disservice he caused 
his immigration clients.
  Mr. Arreola has lived in the United States since 1986. He was an 
agricultural migrant worker in the fields of California for several 
years, and as such would have been eligible for permanent residence 
through the Seasonal Agricultural Workers (SAW) program, had he known 
about it.
  Mrs. Arreola was living in the United States at the time she became 
pregnant with her daughter Cindy, but returned to Mexico to give birth 
so as to avoid any problems with the Immigration and Naturalization 
Service.
  Given the length of time that the Arreolas had, and have been, in the 
United States it is quite likely that they would have qualified for 
relief from deportation pursuant to the cancellation of removal 
provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act, but for the conduct 
of their previous attorney.
  Perhaps one of the most compelling reasons for permitting the family 
to remain in the United States is the devastating impact their 
deportation would have on their children--three of whom are U.S. 
citizens--and the other two who have lived in the United States since 
they were toddlers. For these children, this country is the only 
country they really know.
  Nayely, the oldest, is a junior at Fresno Pacific University. She was 
the first in her family to graduate from high school and the first to 
attend college. She attends Fresno Pacific University, a regionally 
ranked university, on a full tuition scholarship package and works 
part-time in the admissions office. She is majoring in international 
business.
  At her young age, Nayely has demonstrated a strong commitment to the 
ideals of citizenship in her adopted country. She has worked hard to 
achieve her full potential both in her academic endeavors and through 
the service she provides her community. As the Associate Dean of 
Enrollment Services, Cary Templeton, at Fresno Pacific University 
states in a letter of support, ``[t]he leaders of Fresno Pacific 
University saw in Nayely, a young person who will become exemplary of 
all that is good in the American dream.''
  In high school, Nayely was a member of Advancement Via Individual 
Determination (AVID), a college preparatory program in which students 
commit to determining their own futures through achieving a college 
degree. Nayely was also president of the Key Club, a community service 
organization. She helped mentor freshmen and participates in several 
other student organizations in her school. Perhaps the greatest 
hardship to this family, if forced to return to Mexico, will be her 
lost opportunity to realize her dreams and further contribute to her 
community and to this country.
  It is clear to me that Nayely feels a strong sense of responsibility 
for her community and country. By all indication, this is the case as 
well for all of the members of her family.
  The Arreolas also have other family who are lawful permanent 
residents of this country or United States citizens. Mrs. Arreola has 
three brothers who are U.S. citizens and Mr. Arreola has a sister who 
is a U.S. citizen. It is also my understanding that they have no 
immediate family in Mexico.
  According to immigration authorities, this family has never had any 
problems with law enforcement. I am told that they have filed their 
taxes for every year from 1990 to the present. They have always worked 
hard to support themselves. As I previously mentioned, Mr. Arreola was 
previously employed as a farm worker, but now has his own business 
repairing electronics. His business has been successful enough to 
enable him to purchase a home for his family.
  It seems so clear to me that this family has embraced the American 
dream and their continued presence in our country would do so much to 
enhance the values we hold dear. Enactment of the legislation I have 
introduced today will enable the Arreolas to continue to make 
significant contributions to their community as well as the United 
States.
  Mr. President, I ask my colleagues to support this private bill. I 
ask unanimous consent that eight letters of community support be 
printed in the Record.
  There being no objection, the letters were ordered to be printed in 
the Record, as follows:

                                                  January 2, 2007.
       Dear Senator Dianne Feinstein. I Maria Esthela Garay would 
     like to let you know that Nayely Arreola was my student at 
     the beginnings of January 1989. It was my pleasure to meet 
     and have her as my student. She was very obedient and nice. 
     Nayely was always a very organized girl, and respected the 
     rules of the class. She also always finished the class work 
     since she was in preschool. I am glad I met Nayely since she 
     was and will always be an educated girl.
       Nayely is a young girl who will continue her education with 
     the help of her parents whom I appreciate very much. She is 
     the pride and joy of those around her and her family in 
     Porterville California. If you would

[[Page S1289]]

     like to know more feel free to call me at xxxxxxxxxxxxxx.
           Sincerely,
     Maria Esthela Garay.
                                  ____



                                       Jesse and Angie Aldaco,

                                 Terra Bella, CA, January 2, 2007.
     Re Arreola Family.
       Dear Dianne Feinstein. We have known the Arreola family for 
     three years now and are delighted to have ever met them. Mr. 
     Isidro Arreola is a very good father, husband, businessman 
     and member of his church. He portrays everything a good 
     citizen should be.
       His wife Maria Elena is a very hard working woman as well 
     as a great caretaker of her family. She motivates her 
     children to further their education.
       Their oldest daughter is attending the University and 
     taking courses on International Affairs. She comes during the 
     weekends to be with her family.
       The Arreolas are a great example to other members of the 
     community of how a good Christian family should be.
           Sincerely,
     Jesse and Angie Aldaco.
                                  ____



                                                 Raquel Garza,

                                 Porterville, CA, January 3, 2007.
     Re Arreola Family.
       Dear Dianne Feinstein. The Arreola Family are very good 
     friends of mine. They participate in the church that I also 
     attend. Isidro Arreola is a very hard workingman and has his 
     own business from home. Mr. and Mrs. Arreola bring up their 
     children a in a good Christian environment. They are a great 
     example in their church and the community. They are elders in 
     their church and are considered leaders. They always go an 
     extra mile than what is asked of them. Their children try 
     very hard in accomplishing their dreams and goals. It is a 
     privilege to know this family and would not hesitate to speak 
     up for them in any situation. This family is very honest and 
     loving.
           Sincerely,
     Roquel Garza.
                                  ____



                                               Maria Gonzalez,

                                 Porterville, CA, January 2, 2007.
     Re Arreola Family.
       Dear Dianne Feinstein: I have known the Arreola family for 
     5-6 years. I used to work with Maria Elena Arreola and are 
     delighted to have ever met her and her family.
       This family is a great example to fellow community members. 
     They are a good Christian family that set good examples to 
     others. Isidro Arreola is a very hard working man repairing 
     appliances. We attend the same church and they are leaders in 
     the church. They demonstrate many Godly traditions and 
     beliefs. They are a great family to know and have nearby. 
     Their children are very studious in school and are always 
     eager to become better. We are all very proud of their oldest 
     daughter that attends the University and accomplishes her 
     dreams.
           Sincerely,
     Maria Gonzalez.
                                  ____

                                                  January 1, 2007.
     Re Arreola Family

       Dear Dianne Feinstein: The Arreola Family are very active 
     in their church and Mr. Isidro Arreola is a very hard working 
     man. They do what they can to bring up their children in a 
     positive environment. I can seriously say that they are a 
     very good family wanting the best for their children. They 
     are good friends of ours and visit socially my family. If you 
     require any more information do not hesitate to call me in 
     the evenings.
           Sincerely,
     Perla Garza Martinez.
                                  ____

                                                December 31, 2006.
       Dear Dianne Feinstein, (Senator): I am writing this 
     recommendation on behalf of the Arreola family. It has been 
     my profound comfort and pleasure to have known this family 
     for many years. I have found them to be bright, well 
     organized, self sufficient people.
       Seldom have I met a family with more social integrity. 
     Their togetherness, respect and appreciation for one another 
     can not go unnoted.
       Their degree of civility is not only noticed in their 
     church but in their community and in their institutions of 
     learning. They are gracious, honest people who have, by their 
     own initiative, earned the right to human freedom and 
     dignity.
       The above statement is based on humanitarian observances 
     and has little to do with the political movements dealing 
     with immigration.
       I am interested in the wellbeing of the Arreola family in 
     its entirety.
       I do not believe that it would be prudent for the State of 
     California to make any disruptive moves effecting the life 
     style of the Arreola family.
       Senator Feinstein, I am asking you to consider the unique 
     role in which this family plays in the wellbeing of the State 
     of California.
       The family consists of: Mother, MariaElaina, Father, 
     Esidronio, Children, Nayely and Cindy, Children, (already 
     citizens), Roberto, Daniel, Saray.
           Thank You,
                                           Mr. Lynn Morgan McLean,
     Retired Educator.
                                  ____



                                              Porterville, CA.

     Ms. Diane Feinstein 
     Regards: Areola Family
       Dear Ms. Feinstein: Pursuant to the case of the Areola 
     family, I would like to take this opportunity to give my 
     highest and best recommendation on behalf of my family and 
     myself. We had the pleasure of meeting this wonderful family 
     through Christian Services. They have proved to be a very 
     respectful family with strong principles and that of 
     accomplishing many goals that will prepare them for their 
     future.
       I am a business owner, therefore I am very careful about 
     making any types of recommendations or references on behalf 
     of my family, myself and our family owned business. This 
     family, however, is very special to many, including our 
     congregation and community.
       Thank you in advance for taking the time to read my letter. 
     If you have any questions, please feel free to call me.
           Respectfully,
     Patricia Esquivel.
                                  ____

                                                  January 2, 2007.
       Senator Diane Feinstein Greetings: The present letter I am 
     writing to you is to recommend Nayely Arreola. I know Nayely 
     since she was 8 years old. At that age she was my best 
     student in Sunday school class, always eager to learn God's 
     Word. She was a very smart child and demonstrated good 
     behavior among her fellow students treating them with 
     kindness and respect.
       As a young lady Nayely developed very fine manners. I 
     always remember her coming out from one of the classrooms at 
     Granite Hills High School were I used to work as custodian, 
     She always greets me with a broad smile and a big hug; not 
     caring if I was sweaty and dirty.
       Moreover, my husband and I, know her parents very well. We 
     attend the same Christian church regularly, where I am 
     pleased to see Nayely when she is in town. We all have had a 
     good friendship through all these years.
           Sincerely,
                                                      Maria Ochoa.
                                 ______