Will the actions of the 'Dream 9' impact immigration reform?

By Edward Rueda

Could nine activists change immigration policy in the United States?

Last month, the “Dream 9,” a group of nine undocumented immigrant activists who were all brought to the United States from Mexico as children, attempted to enter the U.S. from Mexico at a border crossing in Nogales, Ariz. and were taken into custody by Homeland Security officials. They wore graduation caps and gowns to bring attention to the DREAM Act, a bill that has yet to pass Congress that would provide immigrants who entered the country illegally as minors a path to citizenship if they earn college degrees or serve in the U.S. military.

Homeland Security officials granted the “Dream 9” asylum after 17 days in custody. Officials determined that the nine detainees had “credible fear of persecution or torture” if they stayed in Mexico.  

Two of the “Dream 9” activists, Claudia Amaro and Lizbeth Mateo, will appear on Consider This tonight to share their story with Antonio Mora.

Claudia Amaro, 37, is the oldest member of the "Dream 9." Amaro originally came to Colorado from Mexico at age 13. Last month, Amaro and her 13-year-old son Yamil, who was born in the U.S., tried to enter the country to reunite with her mother, who gained legal status last year. (See below for photos from Amaro's personal album).

Lizbeth Mateo entered the Santa Clara University School of Law this month to study immigration law, within days of her release from federal detention. She arrived in Los Angeles at age 14 from Oaxaca, Mexico, and voluntarily returned to Oaxaca last month, shortly before she joined the other “Dream 9” demonstrators.

Also joining the immigration conversation on Consider This are David Leopold, the former president of the American Immigration Lawyers Association, and Dan Stein, the president of the Federation for American Immigration Reform.

On tonight’s show, Antonio Mora will also explore President Barack Obama’s proposed college rating system and the rise of anti-heroes in popular TV shows. Tune in at 10 ET/7 PT.