"Officials, teachers, and others rallied in Lynn yesterday with the hopes of preventing the deportation of a woman who works as a paraprofessional in a school there. The woman, Mariola Perez, came to the U.S. from Guatemala 16 years ago. In her home country, she faced "discrimination, exploitation, poverty, and abuse" because of her Indigenous Mayan identity, according to a petition shared by advocates."
"Over the past 16 years, Perez learned English and earned an associate's degree while raising her son as a single mom in Massachusetts. She is working towards earning a bachelor's degree at Salem State University, according to advocates. She works as a paraprofessional at an elementary school in Lynn, and is a member of the Lynn Teacher's Union. Advocates also describe her as a "trained medical interpreter" who works in the community and a "beloved member" of Saint Joseph Catholic church in Lynn."
"Her son, who is a U.S. citizen, is now 15 years old, according to officials. They are pleading with federal immigration officials to allow Perez to stay with her son and continue contributing to her community. Lynn Mayor Jared Nicholson and all 11 members of the Lynn City Council signed a letter late last month addressed to "whom it may concern" in the federal government. They urged immigration enforcement officials to rethink her deportation."
""Mariola consistently goes above and beyond in service to others. She volunteers her time to interpret and support vulnerable community members, ensuring they can access critical resources and feel seen and heard. Her compassion, resilience, and commitment to her community are widely recognized," the offi"
Mariola Perez, a paraprofessional in an elementary school in Lynn, is facing likely detention and deportation by ICE next week. She came to the U.S. from Guatemala 16 years ago after discrimination and abuse tied to her Indigenous Mayan identity, civil war trauma, and threats while pregnant. Over 16 years in Massachusetts, she learned English, earned an associate’s degree, and is working toward a bachelor’s degree at Salem State University while raising her 15-year-old U.S.-citizen son as a single mother. She is active in the Lynn Teacher’s Union, works as a trained medical interpreter, and is described as a beloved member of Saint Joseph Catholic Church. Lynn Mayor Jared Nicholson and all 11 city council members urged federal officials to rethink her deportation.
Read at Boston.com
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