This summer, the Department of Homeland Security announced that Temporary Protected Status for Honduras would end on Monday, September 8th. That means Juarez, a Honduran national, could face an uncertain future in the United States.
"I feel like I'm from here because I've been here many years," said Juarez, a sentiment he relayed during a brief exchange with a staffer inside Speaker Destin Hall's office.
Supporters also visited the offices of Senate President Phil Berger and Senator Ted Budd, following up on previous outreach. ABC 11 has reached out to the offices of all three lawmakers seeking comment on Juarez's situation.
A spokesperson for Speaker Destin Hall sent ABC11 this statement:
"While Speaker Hall does not determine federal immigration policy, he remains focused on addressing the serious fiscal and public safety consequences of Joe Biden's disastrous open-border policies."
"I want to keep on working. I'm happy with all these people here," said Juarez.
"He is a wonderful, beloved member of Duke and the Durham community," said Representative Marcia Morey, a Democrat who represents Durham.
Juarez entered the United States without inspection in 1995 and did not apply for Temporary Protected Status until 1998. Due to that gap, advocates say he is not eligible for asylum or most pathways towards citizenship.
"For so many people like Luis, the option is a temporary status under current immigration laws," said Andrew Willis Garcés, a Senior Strategist with Siembra NC.
Juarez cited safety considerations in leaving Honduras, a point he expressed during a press conference at the General Assembly on Thursday.
"Even though he has done nothing wrong, he has broken no laws, there is not a path other than a temporary status. And right now, the President has so many options," said Garcés.
"He's also been the foundation of every student in this room and outside the press room, or they wouldn't be here right now to say what is happening to Luis under this order is unfair and unjust," said Representative Maria Cervania, a Democrat from Wake County.
Michael Ramos, a Duke University senior, spoke warmly of the impact he's had on campus.
"I can truly call him a friend. Through the many conversations riding his bus, his uplifting spirit never faltered, and he's always happy to greet me with a smile. And it makes my day better," said Ramos.
In a statement this summer announcing the decision, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem wrote:
"Temporary Protected Status was designed to be just that-temporary," said Secretary Kristi Noem. "It is clear that the Government of Honduras has taken all of the necessary steps to overcome the impacts of Hurricane Mitch, almost 27 years ago. Honduran citizens can safely return home, and DHS is here to help facilitate their voluntary return. Honduras has been a wonderful partner of the Trump Administration, helping us deliver on key promises to the American people. We look forward to continuing our work with them."
Nikki Marín Baena, the Co-Director of Siembra NC, is hopeful Sen. Budd, Sen. Berger, and Rep. Hall could work with the federal government in addressing Juarez's situation.
"Given that we are trying to be the best state for business, we think that that means also being a good state for workers like Luis, who are currently contributing to that. We do think that there's an opportunity to intervene with the Trump administration because it doesn't just hurt Luis and it doesn't just hurt Duke. It hurts many, many workers in North Carolina if they lose their (Temporary Protected Status) and they can't work. That hurts North Carolina businesses. There is precedent for the Trump administration to do something called deferred enforcement removal. They did it for Venezuelans back in the first Trump administration, so there is precedent," said Baena.
Supporters announced they have set up a fundraiser on behalf of Juarez to assist with expenses should he lose employment as a result of a change to his legal status. In a statement provided to ABC 11 last week, a Duke University spokesperson wrote:
"Mr. Juarez is beloved by many at Duke," a university spokesperson said. "Since we learned of the change to his immigration situation, Duke has provided him with significant support and resources. At this stage, the University has done all it can under the law."