Honor students Carlos and Rafael Robles, NIJC clients, were arrested by U.S. Customs & Border Patrol after being questioned about their nationality on an Amtrak train and were put in deportation proceedings. NIJC requested prosecutorial discretion in accordance with the Obama administration’s stated policy of not expending resources to deport people who pose no threat to society.
In June of 2011, the Robleses were granted deferred action for one year but have no path to citizenship unless the DREAM Act passes.
In June of 2012, just as the Robles' status was set to expire, President Obama announced the government would grant deferred action to DREAM Act-eligible youth. The media covered their situation throughout their case and the policy developments.
CBS Evening News: Deportations delayed for Mexican brothers (9/23/2012)
Daily Herald: Sen. Durbin highlights Palatine brothers for DREAM Act (7/1/2012)
Chicago RedEye / Chicago Tribune: In the middle: They didn't choose to come here—now they just want to belong (7/26/2011)
Daily Herald: Palatine brothers' deportation put on hold (6/21/2011)
Daily Herald: Palatine brothers fight deportation (3/22/2011)
Los Angeles Times / Chicago Tribune: Students face deportation to countries they don't remember (6/28/2010)