Junior, a dedicated father, creative singer, and beloved friend, is under threat of being forced out of the United States and sent back to Mexico. He has woven himself into the fabric of our community, becoming an irreplaceable part of our lives. Not only is he a father to an adorable daughter who cherishes him, but he's also a trailblazer in our local music scene, inspiring and entertaining countless citizens with his talent.

Despite Junior being an undocumented immigrant, his contributions to our society are undeniably significant. The American Immigration Council states that approximately 7 million of the unauthorized residents living in the country have deep roots, with 60 percent having resided in the U.S for a decade or more (source: American Immigration Council, 2019). Junior is one of these people who, despite lack of paperwork, have become an integral part of their neighborhoods. Upending their lives would have a cascading effect, causing emotional distress to their families and negatively impacting the communities they serve.

We highlight that Junior's daughter, born and raised here, is a U.S citizen. According to immigration law, a parent being deported does not automatically translate to a child being forced to leave (source: USCIS, 2020). This, however, raises the issue of broken families and the psychological impact it would have on children like Junior's daughter - a cost that's simply too high to pay. We implore the authorities to consider the human side of this issue, keeping in mind family unity and the right to pursue happiness, values that the United States holds dear.

We cannot imagine our lives without Junior. We strongly request U.S Immigration and Customs Enforcement to reconsider their decision, and allow Junior to stay with his family in the U.S. It is not just a plea for one person; this is a call for humanity, for empathy, and for the understanding that the American dream is a pursuit every individual should be allowed to undertake without fear. Sign the petition and make your voice heard - let's fight to keep Junior home, where he belongs.