Benita Veliz must endure the summer heat of San Antonio as she waits another three months to learn what will become of the rest of her life. It was Benita's mother and father who placed her in a precarious position at the age of 8, but now the future of this 23-year-old lies in the hands of a federal immigration judge, who will decide in September whether Benita can remain in the United States or will be deported to Mexico.

This is not the story of just another undocumented immigrant. It is the story of a young woman who graduated valedictorian of her high school at age 16, the youngest in her class. Benita had the second-highest SAT scores at Jefferson High School and was awarded a National Hispanic Finalist title, placing her among the top 5 percent of Hispanic students in the U.S. She also became president of the National Honor Society, was actively involved in her church, and went on to win a full scholarship at the respected St. Mary's University and graduate with a double major in biology and sociology.

During her college years, she somehow found time to volunteer at a children's hospital and at the National Student Partnerships program, which helps people in need. To make ends meet, she put in 45 hours a week waiting tables at a Mexican restaurant. Her status” prevented her from attending law school, but Benita kept busy by setting up her own photography and design business, tutoring math and science, and teaching piano lessons. Though she lacks a Social Security number, she has paid her taxes through her Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.

Her nightmare began in January of this year, when a policeman in the city of Helotes, adjacent to San Antonio, pulled her over for allegedly running through a stop sign. When he asked for her driver's license, Benita confessed that she did not have one, and explained why. The policeman detained her and handed her over to immigration officials, who jailed her overnight.

Benita's case has attracted plenty of attention in San Antonio as well as on Capitol Hill, where Democratic Congressman Charlie Gonzalez of San Antonio has vowed to pass a bill to delay Benita's deportation. It also emphasizes the importance of passing the Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors Act, known as the DREAM Act, a law that would provide, for those who were brought to the U.S. by their parents before age 15, the possibility of obtaining permanent residency, if they meet certain requirements.

Benita should not have been driving without a license -- that is true. However, she should have been allowed to obtain a license for the purpose of identifying herself and to make sure that she has the proper training behind the wheel and the necessary insurance. Her case shows the absurdity of the movement against allowing all residents of this country, legal or not, to have a driver's license.

Benita is a perfect example of why our immigration laws need to be reformed. Her case should be taken into consideration as President Barack Obama meets with congressional leaders to look for ways of fixing our broken immigration system.

It is beyond belief that in 2009, the U.S. government is punishing someone like Benita Veliz, who, through no fault of her own, was brought to the U.S. and now must challenge a law that will only dampen her bright spirit and future.

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(Maria Elena Salinas is the author of “I AM MY FATHER'S DAUGHTER: LIVING A LIFE WITHOUT SECRETS.” Reach her at www .mariaesalinas.com)

© 2009 by Maria Elena Salinas

Distributed by King Features Syndicate