Congressman Al Green Embarks on Mission of Mercy to Bring DACA Constituent Home

(Houston, TX) — On Thursday, November 3, 2022, Congressman Al Green released the following statement:

“On August 16, 2022, my constituent Mr. Jaime Avalos, a DACA recipient, left the U.S. with his wife for an interview appointment made in good faith at the U.S. Consulate in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico. Mr. Avalos traveled for his appointment as part of the process to obtain permanent residency in the U.S. Upon being interviewed by consular officers, it was discovered that following his initial entry to the U.S. as an infant, Mr. Avalos was taken to Mexico, at which time his birth was registered. Thereafter, he returned to the U.S. permanently. As a result of this exit as a child under eight years of age, U.S. law bans Mr. Avalos from reentering the U.S. for 10 years,” Congressman Al Green shared.

“To deny Mr. Avalos reentry to the country he calls home, as well as separate him from his American-born wife and 11-month-old baby for 10 years, is unconscionable,” Congressman Al Green continued. “Immigration policies such as this one preventing Mr. Avalos from coming home tear families apart. Millions of law-abiding undocumented immigrants living in the U.S. contribute immensely to our great nation, including through their work during the pandemic as well as our military. This is why I support comprehensive immigration reform. The system needs to be repaired. Until then, I will continue doing all I can to reunite Mr. Avalos with his family.”

To view Congressman Green's bill to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act click here. To view Congressman Green's private bill for Mr. Avalos and supporting letter click here and here.