natalia sylvester is the author of "everyone knows you go home." she was born in lima, peru, and came to the united states at age 4. as a child, she spent time in florida, in the rio grande valley in texas before her family et down roots -- set down roots in miami where she received a ba from the university of miami. a former magazine editor, she now works as a freelance writer in texas and as a faculty member of the low residency program at regis, university. her debut novel, "chasing the sun," was chosen as a book of the month by the national latino book club. please help me welcome natalia and lauren. [applause] we want to start by introducing the topic of these texts. in 2008 the u.s. department of justice board of immigration appeals created a precedent when it ruled that young persons who are perceived -- keyword perceived -- to be affiliated with gangs did not constitute an eligible social group under asylum law. many families flee their countries due to violence, and many send their children when it is the only option versus death. this phe