Jonathan Chavez is an Honors student at the University of Arkansas, a talented musician, well-liked among his peers, and also happened to have turned 18 before his naturalization paperwork could be completed.   Currently, Jonathan Chavez is being detained for a problem with his immigration status.  We are supporters of this outstanding young man and think that the US Customs and Immigration Services (USCIS) should use its discretionary authority to NOT DEPORT Jonathan Chavez!

Jonathan Chavez came from Peru as a minor under his parents' visas.  He grew up like any kid would in Rogers, Arkansas, a quiet place nestled in the Ozark Mountains.  Jonathan sang solos in the church choir, graduated from high school with a 4.0, and even dared to dream of attending college.  Not only was he accepted to the University of Arkansas, he is a member of their celebrated Honors College and is only 2 semesters away from holding a degree.  Besides being a sharp student, beautiful singer, and Razorback-supporting Arkansan, Jonathan is a young man with his whole life ahead of him and wants to be able to give back to the community that raised him. 

Because his parents became legal permanent residents while he was still a minor, Jonathan started the naturalization process and was on the pathway to citizenship.  However, the complications of filling out naturalization paperwork and the fact that he turned 18 halted the process.  So when the bus he was traveling on to visit his mother for Christmas was stopped, he couldn't show the officers a suitable ID. He's been held in the name of Homeland Security ever since.  But we can attest that it makes no sense to deport Jonathan.

Instead of turning in research papers, Jonathan must now wrestle with the thoughts of his upcoming immigration court hearing, of the strong possibility of being deported, and of the hometown that he may never get to return to see.  Jonathan deserves our support and the community speaking up on his behalf.  We must denounce the possible deportation as a cruel punishment for a man who is an exemplary member of our community.   We must bring together our voices during this crucial time which may determine whether Jonathan is arbitrarily sent in shackles to a far-away land, half a world away from his aspirations.  Jonathan needs our support to ask for a "Deferred Action" on his immigration case, which would allow him to be released from behind the bars of a detention center and back into the community of his classmates, church congregation, and precious family. 

Please sign below if you support Jonathan's right to remain in this country.