[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 79 (Wednesday, May 30, 2012)]
[House]
[Page H3180]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             STUDYING TOWARD ADJUSTED RESIDENCY STATUS ACT

  (Mr. RIVERA asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Mr. RIVERA. Mr. Speaker, many young immigrants have found themselves 
stuck in limbo due to our failure to address immigration reform. Such 
is the plight of my constituent, Daniela Pelaez, who came here from 
Colombia with her family when she was four. They overstayed their 
visas, and she has now been ordered deported. Next week, Daniela, who 
is here with us today in the gallery, will graduate as valedictorian 
from North Miami High. Having maintained a 6.7 GPA, she has received a 
full scholarship to Dartmouth College.
  In order to assist students like Daniela today, I am introducing the 
Studying Toward Adjusted Residency Status, or STARS, Act. The STARS Act 
would allow undocumented students who arrive here at a young age, 
graduate from high school, and are accepted into a university to apply 
for a 5-year conditional nonimmigrant status. During that 5-year 
period, they can focus on their college education and, once they 
graduate, have their conditional status extended and work toward 
achieving residency.
  This legislation can make the American Dream a reality for young 
people like Daniela, who through no fault of their own are prevented 
from realizing their full potential in this land of opportunity.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in supporting this legislation to help 
Daniela and others like her who are as American as anyone born in the 
United States and who simply need a chance to continue being productive 
Americans.

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