By Kelsey Ainsworth
Northeast News
August 1, 2012

Supporters of the Development, Relief and Education of Alien Minors (DREAM) Act came to Kansas City July 23.

Campaign for an American DREAM (CAD) members are walking across the United States in hopes of promoting discussion and awareness of the DREAM Act.

The DREAM Act is a proposal to change immigration laws and help alien minors from being deported.

CAD is a group of young people supporting the DREAM Act. They strive to reform immigration laws to support equality, unity and diversity with the DREAM Act. They will be walking from San Diego to Washington, D.C., to gain support for the Act along the way.

Four walkers came to Kansas City to bring awareness of the DREAM Act and to discuss their reasoning for supporting the Act.

Alex Aldana, Veronica Gomez, Raymi Gutierrez and Jonatan Martinez all walk for CAD, each with their own unique story as to why they support the foundation.

Each of them shared their passion about walking for and supporting CAD.

Martinez decided to become involved with the DREAM campaign after learning about it on Facebook and facing a number of trials in his own life. He became aware of his alien status his senior year of high school while attempting to join the military. Instead of letting his status hold him back, Martinez decided to continue with his education.

During his senior year of college, Immigration and Customs Enforcement became aware of his alien status, and he faced deportation. He had to stay in a detention center awaiting a deportation case. After facing deportation himself, he knew that CAD was something he had to participate in.

“I just knew I needed to become a part of this campaign,” said Martinez. “I did not want to hide my status anymore and knew that something had to be done.”

The other walkers shared similar stories about the fear of having family members or themselves deported.

After living in fear, they decided to be open about their status and do what they can to help other youth in similar situations.

“We will continue to push as hard as needed,” Martinez said, “and walk as far as needed to get this Act passed.”