Change.org: "My name is Reza Teshnizi, a resident of the United States of America. I have been working towards obtaining a work visa in the US. However, on August 20th, my H1B petition was denied, thus forcing me to leave the country. I am writing to you to humbly ask for your support in my immigration case.

I am a 28-year-old young professional and a citizen of Iran. I grew up in a lower class family with the hardship of a country under a war. I made it my own goal to make every possible effort to move to the United States of America for my graduate studies; in 2013, I achieved my dream of a living in a society where fairness and equality are of paramount value. In which 'all men are created equal and independent, that from that equal creation they derive rights inherent and inalienable, among which are the preservation of life, and liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.'

I was admitted to the Computer Science graduate program in Texas A&M University. I moved to the United States with just enough money to support myself for a few months. I worked diligently to prove my best work ethic because I believed in this country. I had faith that hard work would not remain unnoticed. I published multiple papers in top research conferences and, as a result, my advisor offered me a position as a PhD candidate. I was thrilled by this opportunity! However, I felt responsible for supporting my siblings financially and their own dreams. So, I decided to start my career as a Software Engineer. I was keen to outshine and made it my personal goal to be promoted to managerial positions in my firm within five years. After working earnestly, I achieved my goal in less than three years when I was promoted to team lead in New York.

It is devastatingly heartbreaking that after working hard and making my best efforts to prove my worth, my lifelong dream is vanishing before my eyes. As George Washington said 'the bosom of America is open to receive not only the opulent and respectable Stranger, but the oppressed and persecuted of all Nations and Religions; whom we shall welcome to a participation of all our rights and privileges, if by decency and propriety of conduct they appear to merit the enjoyment.' I am humbly asking you to help me in my immigration case as I have done everything in my power to prove my merits to this great nation.

I sincerely appreciate your time for reading this letter.

Best regards,
Reza Teshnizi"

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For many, the American Dream is long dead. Too far removed from the struggles of our ancestors, our comfort dulls awareness of the depths to which men can suffer. Our grandparents Dreamed that we could have a better life than the strife they escaped. American citizens enjoy security and choice which is rare in history. For Reza, the American Dream is dying. Please help him preserve it.