Former Aide to AOC Self-Departs to Colombia Amid Immigration Controversy
Diego de la Vega, a former aide to Rep. Ocasio-Cortez, self-deported to Colombia after overstaying his visa since childhood. He reflected on his mixed feelings about leaving the U.S. and the freedom he now experiences. De la Vega criticized the current state of immigration advocacy and expressed concerns over diminishing protections.
Diego de la Vega, a former aide to Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, has reportedly self-deported to Colombia after spending over two decades in the United States. Originally from Ecuador, de la Vega overstayed his visitor’s visa upon arriving at the age of seven. His departure from the U.S. raises concerns regarding his employment status in Congress, where he worked despite being undocumented.
De la Vega expressed mixed emotions about his move, stating it is bittersweet, as he had not left the country in 23 years. He remarked, “Now, I can’t go back to the U.S. It feels like exile.” Nevertheless, he and his wife feel confident in their decision and appreciate the “freedom of movement” in Colombia, sharing that living without the fear of being undocumented is “incredibly satisfying.”
After the failure of the Dream Act in 2010, which fell short by five votes in the Senate, de la Vega became politically active. Before working for Ocasio-Cortez, he served as communications director for Robert Rodriguez in the New York State Assembly. He joined Ocasio-Cortez’s re-election campaign in 2021, ascending to the role of deputy communications director despite being ineligible for paid congressional positions under DACA regulations.
Ocasio-Cortez praised de la Vega, stating, “Diego is amazing. We love him.” However, de la Vega voiced frustration over the current state of immigration advocacy. He believes protections are diminishing regardless of the presidential administration and criticized the lack of adaptive strategies for contemporary issues in immigration reform, particularly during the Biden administration’s period of legislative control.
Reflecting on his childhood, de la Vega noted he experienced fear due to his undocumented status but also enjoyed his upbringing in New York. He acknowledged the uncertainty of returning to the U.S. in the near future but indicated that being in Colombia feels fulfilling.
In summary, Diego de la Vega’s self-deportation to Colombia sheds light on the complexities surrounding immigration status, employment eligibility in Congress, and the challenges faced by advocates in the current political landscape. His story highlights the emotional impact of immigration and the desire for a more adaptable strategy in advocating for reform.
Original Source: www.foxnews.com
