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June 24, 2011

Pulitzer-Winning Reporter Reveals Undocumented Status 
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A Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist who worked for the Washington Post
has publicly admitted he is an undocumented immigrant. In a lengthy New
York Times magazine article, Jose Antonio Vargas said he has been hiding
his true immigration status for nearly 20 years, causing him great
personal turmoil. Originally from the Philippines, Vargas’ mother put
him on a plane to the United States when he was 12 years-old in the
hopes of giving him a better life. In a videotaped message for his new
project — Define American — Vargas said he hopes to spur discussion
around the issue of immigration.

Jose Antonio Vargas: "I’m an American. I just don’t have the right
papers. I take full responsibility for my actions and I’m sorry for
the laws that I’ve broken. What would you do if you were a choir
teacher and found out that a student in your glee club can’t travel
for a competition? What would you do if you were a high school principal
and found out that one of your students can’t apply for financial aid?
What would you do if your child’s best friend didn’t have papers? As
a journalist, I’ve decided to do what I do best: ask questions."

Vargas says he was inspired to come forward by DREAM Act activists who
publicly declared their undocumented status in an effort to pass
legislation allowing undocumented children a path to citizenship.



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