Diego de la Vega, once an aide to Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, self-deported to Colombia from the U.S. after living illegally since age seven. His departure raises questions about his employment status. He expressed mixed feelings about leaving but appreciates newfound freedom in Colombia while criticizing U.S. immigration policy.
Diego de la Vega, a former aide to Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, recently self-deported to Colombia after living in the U.S. illegally since childhood. Originally from Ecuador, he overstayed a visitor’s visa he obtained at age seven. His departure has raised concerns about his employment status during his tenure in Congress.
De la Vega expressed mixed feelings about leaving after over two decades, stating, “It’s bittersweet. I hadn’t left the country in 23 years… Now, I can’t go back to the U.S.” He recognized this move as significant, calling it “exile,” yet he feels relieved to shed the constant worry related to his illegal status, emphasizing, “It feels surreal to not be illegalized anymore” and appreciating the “freedom of movement” in Colombia.
His political activism intensified after the Dream Act’s failure in 2010. Prior to his role with Ocasio-Cortez, he worked for an immigrant rights organization and served as communications director for Robert Rodriguez in the New York State Assembly. He joined Ocasio-Cortez’s re-election campaign as a deputy communications director in 2021, even though being a DACA recipient restricted him from paid congressional positions.
Ocasio-Cortez praised de la Vega, acknowledging his contributions with the remark, “Diego is amazing. We love him.” Despite illegal employment status, de la Vega stated that he and the team were transparent with voters, highlighting their dedication to immigration reform. He also voiced dissatisfaction with the current trajectory of U.S. immigration policy, noting that despite Democratic control, the opportunity for reform has been squandered.
Reflecting on his childhood in New York, de la Vega admitted to living in fear but also acknowledged the support he received. Though he might not return to the U.S. soon, he stated, “It feels fulfilling to be home.”
Diego de la Vega’s self-deportation to Colombia after years of living illegally in the U.S. raises questions about employment practices among congressional aides who are not U.S. citizens. Despite his initial feelings of loss, he appreciates the freedom he now experiences in Colombia. His journey reflects significant challenges within U.S. immigration policy, emphasizing the need for reform that aligns with modern realities.
Original Source: www.foxnews.com
