UPDATE:  Thank you so much for caring enough to take action to stop Selvin's deportation.  We have some good news.  Thanks in large part to the public awareness you helped raise about Selvin's story, it is likely that Selvin will not be deported, today.  Late last night, Congresswoman Chellie Pingree, whom you all targeted with your petitions, submitted a private bill for Selvin.  His deportation has also been appealed by his attorney, David Bennion, one of the best in the nation at stopping the deportations of migrant youth like Selvin.

There's still some bad news though.  Despite the private bill for Selvin and the appeal, ICE is still within it's rights to detain and deport Selvin, which is why we need supporters like you to remain vigilant and ready to act at any moment.  We will contact you with further actions as they become clearer.  For now just continue to invite people to the facebook group and to sign the petition.  Also please sign this thank you petition to Chellie Pingree for supporting us in our time of need!

Much Love,
Kyle de Beausset

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Selvin Arevalo came to Portland, Maine from Guatemala eleven years ago when he was 14-years-old to study and to work in order to help his family. Selvin flourished in the United States— He is a leader in his church as a youth leader and treasurer. He is a musician who plays several instruments and a singer in his church. He is studying to receive a high school diploma and wants to enroll in college to study computer science. Selvin is an exemplary member of our Portland community.

Recently Selvin was detained a month before his graduation and enrolling in college! He was detained and held at the Cumberland County jail for seven long months. His community organized around him and got him released from detention.

This is urgent—Selvin was served an order of Deportation for Dec. 18, 2010. Just like we’ve stopped numerous deportations of immigrant undocumented students, we can stop his! We need to stop Selvin’s deportation and keep him home in Portland!

What You Can Do

1. Sign this petition directed to DHS and Selvin's Congressional members in Maine

2. 202-282-8495 - Call Janet Napolitano, Director of DHS, and ask that Selvin Arevalo's (A# 087 766 431) deportation be deferred. NOTE: This is an answering machine, once it is full it is out of commission for day. Fill it up now with support for Selvin.

3. 202-732-3000 - Call Assistant Secretary to ICE, John Morton and leave a message urging him to take action to defer Selvin Arevalo's deportation (A# 087 766 431). NOTE: this is a live comment line. A human being will pick up and take your message. Be very polite and say “I am calling to leave a message of support for Selvin Arevalo who currently has a deportation date of Dec. 18th. I would like to ask that director John Morton defer Selvin Arevalo's deportation (A# 087 766 431)."

4. Call Senator Olympia Snowe at both her local office (207-874-0883) and her D.C. office (202-224-5344). Ask what Sen. Snowe's stance on the DREAM Act is, and if she will support deferring Selvin Arevalo's deportation (A# 087 766 431). If you are from Maine, make sure you tell them your address and exactly where your from.

5. Call Senator Susan Collins at both her local office (207-780-3575) and her D.C. office (202-224-2523). Ask what Sen. Collin's stance on the DREAM Act is, and if she will support deferring Selvin Arevalo's deportation (A# 087 766 431). If you are from Maine, make sure you tell them your address and exactly where your from.

6. Call Congresswoman Chellie Pingree at both her local office (207-774-5019) and her D.C. office (202-225-6116). Ask what Rep. Pingree's stance on the DREAM Act is, and if she will support deferring Selvin Arevalo's deportation (A# 087 766 431). If you are from Maine, make sure you tell them your address and exactly where your from.

7. JOIN STOP SELVIN'S DEPORTATION FACEBOOK PAGE! http://www.facebook.com/#!/home.php?sk=group_161177603926284&ap=1