Jessica Hyejin Lee Coming Out for the Undocumented Community

Jessica Hyejin Lee and Tania Chairez, two undocumented youth from Pennsylvania, were arrested by the Philadelphia Police today after blocking the street in front of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Field Office. Before their arrest, Jessica and Tania had entered the ICE Philadelphia Field Office building and declared their undocumented status. Unafraid of deportation, they acted to confront the unjust immigration system, reclaim their human rights, and call attention to the deportations that are tearing apart their communities. To learn more about the action and their cause, check here: http://dreamactivistpa.org/

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[forwordslikethoughts]

With all due respect, the lack of hope you perpetuate is part of the problem. You don't know she will get deported and to jump to that conclusion opposes the message Jessica is trying to send. She's risking it all because she feels called to raise awareness so that more undocumented people will come out. If more people come out there is more chance that we can change the laws to stop the breaking up of families.

[tookuhenigashite]

Jessica, I am BMC 07 and we are standing with you.

I would love to know if anyone on the outside knows what we can do to try to get her released...

Mawrtyrs, any news/ideas?

[xCrimsonGear]

Wow internet scumbag, tough guy cause your online eh old man? Pieces of shit like you are just mad that you're hateful ways are dying with these new generations.

[mlutz50]

Hey jessica,you got a lot of guts girl.I was in the roundhouse where i believe you were too for a DUI..And it is pure hell isnt it ?? Your standing up for yourself and didnt have to go through that but you did..I hope you dont get deported.You wont get deported.You have alot to offer this country.I dont know why someone as brigh as you wants to even stay though.

[tookuhenigashite]

There's a petition going through the alumni community. Do you know when the rally at BMC is? That way I can spread the word. There are a ton of alumni in the area.

[kbakerize]

I'm a BMC 13 who's abroad at the moment, but I know that the BMC community is holding a rally at the school. Do you know any other alum in your area?

[drjasonjcampbell]

....I don't know really, but I think liberals, which I consider myself are actually doing more harm than good. If liberals fight for this cause, it "encourages" undocumented people to "hope" and stay under the radar waiting for a better opportunity. But liberals can't "fight" without the population of undocumented laborers mobilized, and thus the rub. I also feel that a piecemeal approach where a handfull of brave people take the chance isn't enough. Thus, it req. the gov.

[forwordslikethoughts]

I think her brave example will encourage others whether or not she is deported. She'll hopefully inspire others to come out as undocumented to some extent- they can be encouraged without feeling the need to get arrested like her. You're of course right that there could be more effective ways, but perhaps that point should only be expressed if you're expressing it in the context of bringing to our attention what those more effective ways are!

[drjasonjcampbell]

...regularity in the system. She unfortunately makes the same assumption. I think there may be solutions, but too much to discuss here. I applaude anyone as brave as she, that's undeniable.

[drjasonjcampbell]

...yeah I get the vibe and I'm not trying to be an ass seriously, and ur right I don't know that she'll be deported, but it's her approach that I'm questioning. Is this the most effective means, to "encourage" others assumes she won't be deported. If she's not deported and exceptions are made for her, in no sense does that mean exceptions will be made for others. It's far more complicated than that. I live in Miami where Hatians have to go back to Hati. You assume...