Pearl River 'Dreamer' To Attend State Of The Union Address

PEARL RIVER, NY — Pearl River resident Hugo Alexander Acosta Mazariego is a 'Dreamer.' On Tuesday, he'll be doing something he never dreamed of: listening to President Trump's State of the Union address in the House of Representatives, as a guest of Rep. Nita Lowey.

Acosta Mazariego was 15 when his parents brought him to Rockland County from El Salvador in 2005. He signed up for DACA, the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program created by President Barack Obama to protect undocumented immigrants who came to the United States as children from deportation and to grant them work permits. A graduate of the Ramapo schools, he lives in Pearl River with his wife and works in Apple store tech support.

President Donald Trump eliminated DACA in September. Congress is still talking about voting on whether to create a new version.

Lowey (D-Rockland/Westchester) invited Acosta Mazariego to join her at the State of the Union after receiving a letter from him requesting a meeting to discuss the issue.

“Life in El Salvador, where I was born, was dangerous and brutal, which is why my father moved us to America in 2005,” said Acosta Mazariego. “I am grateful every day for all the opportunities presented to me here. I feel it is so important to continue achieving, setting goals, and giving back to my community. It would break my heart to lose my home and my life here in New York.”

Acosta Mazariego’s DACA status expires in November.

“I want to be clear: Dreamers are Americans,” said Lowey, announcing her guest. “They contribute to our economy, our communities, and our strength and stability as a nation. Hugo is no exception. When I read Hugo’s letter to my office, I was inspired by his life’s story, his courage to speak out, and his love for the United States. And I know he will inspire and energize other young Americans facing an uncertain future. I am proud to have him as my guest at the State of the Union Address, and I look forward to continuing to fight for the safety and security of Hugo and the 800,000 other Dreamers this Administration is holding captive with the threat of deportation.”

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