Letter to the Hon. Elaine Duke, Acting Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security - Castro Requests DHS Approve U.S. Entry for Mother of Dreamer who Died Seeking to Rescue Hurricane Harvey Victims

Letter

I write amid reports that officials within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have denied Ms. Rita Ruiz de Guillen entry into the United States to bury her son, Alonso Guillen. As you may know, Alonso Guillen traveled to Houston as a volunteer to help rescue Hurricane Harvey victims. Alonso also happened to be a Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipient who lived in Lufkin, Texas.

Alonso sacrificed his life in an attempt to save the lives of many more. He exemplified the true American spirit by putting the needs of others above his own. It is tragic that he lost his life at such a young age, but it is now time for his body to be laid to rest and his mother should be by his side.

I request that DHS authorities grant Ms. Ruiz de Guillen an emergency appointment at the nearest U.S. Consulate to her residence in Mexico to obtain a temporary visa so that she may attend her son's funeral in the United States. Her son died a hero and she deserves, as every mother does, to pay her respects and see him one final time.

Please have your staff contact my office by September 7, 2017 to confirm receipt of this letter and to outline the course of action DHS plans to take to help Ms. Ruiz de Guillen.

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