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Undocumented Immigrant Granted Rare Pathway to Legalization
Photo by Ruxandra Guidi
Shigeru "Shiggy" Yamada celebrates the bill that will grant him legal residence in the U.S., while Rep. Bob Filner of San Diego stands beside him.
SAN DIEGO -- A private bill on behalf of 28-year-old Shigeru “Shiggy” Yamada, will allow the undocumented immigrant from Japan to stay legally in the U.S.
Congress cleared the way for the Yamada legislation last December, sponsored by Rep. Bob Filner (D-San Diego), and Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-California). It has now been signed by President Obama.
"This is truly a momentous occasion and I'm proud to be able to celebrate it with Shiggy and his family and friends," said Filner. "We've been working on this legislation with Sen. Feinstein for several years, and he truly deserves such a happy ending to this story."
Shigeru Yamada came to the U.S. in 1992 with his mother as a 10 year old child. He was left an orphan after she died, and was in danger of being deported back to Japan once he turned 18.