The Homeland Security Department announced Tuesday it will defer the deportation of a New Britain student whose parents illegally brought him to the country from Mexico when he was 22 months old.
The department granted the student, Mariano Cardoso, a renewable, year-long stay of removal, temporarily preventing his deportation. He is only a month away from earning an engineering degree from Capitol Community College in Hartford.
Last week Gov. Dannel P. Malloy and Sen. Richard Blumenthal appealed to the Homeland Security Department and immigration officials on Cardoso’s behalf. On Tuesday, both issued statements lauding the decision to allow him to remain in the country.
“This decision is right for Mariano – and right for America – in light of his roots in the community and his future contributions to our society,” Blumenthal said. “Mariano is a promising young man with a bright future, and DHS’ swift action on this issue ensures that he will be able to continue contributing to his community.”
“This is the news for which Mariano Cardoso has been waiting, and I couldn’t be more pleased with the Department of Homeland Security’s decision,” said Malloy. “This young man is working toward his degree in the only country he’s ever known. That he could not make a decision for himself when he was brought to this country at 22 months of age should not impede his ability to make a better life for himself here, now. I look forward to seeing what contributions to this state and this country Mariano makes in his future career and personal aspirations.”
-Click to read about the efforts of Malloy and Blumenthal to prevent Cardoso’s deportation
