Pulitzer Prize-Winning Journalist, Jose Antonio Vargas, outs himself as an illegal immigrant
June 22, 2011
Jose Antonio Vargas, who moved to the US from the Philippines when he was 12 years old, divulged his undocumented citizenship status in The New York Times Magazine today to rally support for the DREAM Act, which would allow children of undocumented immigrants who have lived in the United States for at least five years, graduated from high school, and are of good moral character the opportunity to earn citizenship through at least two years of college or military service.
Vargas, who has written for The Washington Post and was a technology editor with The Huff Post, and contributed to the Pulitzer Prize-winning articles on the Virginia Tech shootings, was inspired to step forward after learning of high school graduates who marched in Washington to support the Dream Act.
“We are not who you think we are. We don’t just mow your lawns, and babysit your kids, and serve you tacos…we do a really good job doing that…but we do other things and we are a part of this society…and I think everyone deserves dignity.”
The risks. The interview. The article in the New York Times Magazine.
Other Keywords: famous filipino-american writers, filipino american journalist, immigrant activism, the dream act
![Alexa Chung
is a British model, DJ, contributing editor at British Vogue, and host of MTV’s It’s On With Alexa Chung (airs weekdays @3:30pm/ET). Get the scoop on her interview and photo shoot at V Magazine here. Chung was born on November 5, 1983 and raised in Privett, Hampshire, England by her English mother and 3/4 Chinese father.[via] More on Wiki.](http://28.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_kscgqovdfs1qa172uo1_500.jpg)
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Kristine Johnson
is an Emmy nominated Filipino American journalist born June 5, 1972 at the former Clark Air Base in Angeles City, Pampanga, Philippines. She currently co-anchors the 5 and 11pm newscasts with Chris Wragge on WCBS-TV in New York, NY. [via]From 2005-2006, Johnson was anchor on MSNBC’s Early Today and First Look, and was an alternating anchor on NBC’s Weekend Today. Johnson covered major breaking news events including the killing of Abu Musab Al Zarqawi and the London Terror Bombings. [via]
Johnson will be hosting a book release gala at Cipriani’s Wall St. in NYC on Monday, October, 19th. The $125 ticket includes an evening of jazz, acrobatics, performance by the Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter, Melky Jean, and an author-signed copy of An Event to Remember. A portion of the proceeds will go to The Food Bank. Email for inquiries about the event or call 212-675-5105.](http://28.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_kqupwlk4sx1qa172uo1_250.png)
