Conn. leaders seek to halt deportation of Mexican

HARTFORD, Conn. – Connecticut's highest-ranking elected officials are rallying to halt the deportation of a Mexican college student that the governor says is "for all intents and purposes" an American.

Twenty-three-year-old Mariano Cardoso lived in the United States since his family entered the country illegally when he was a toddler. He is due to graduate next month from Capitol Community College in Hartford.

In letters and meetings with federal immigration officials, Gov. Dannel (DAN'-uhl) P. Malloy and Sen. Richard Blumenthal have highlighted Cardoso's personal achievements in asking for him to be allowed to stay.

Cardoso is facing deportation any day after losing a legal battle to stay in the country. Blumenthal says discussions with federal officials have encouraged him there is no imminent plan to send him back to Mexico.