Providence Journal photo / G. Wayne Miller
PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Drawing on the power of his own remarkable story, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and filmmaker José Antonio Vargas Saturday made a persuasive case for immigration reform and a more inclusive -- and accurate -- redefinition of what it means to be an American.
In an hour-long talk, Vargas, an undocumented immigrant who shared a Pulitzer while a staff writer at The Washington Post, praised the Associated Press's decision this week to stop using the term "illegal immigrant" in its stories. He said now is the time for advocates to take action.
"As far as I'm concerned, it's an all-hands-on-deck moment," Vargas said.
He spoke at the 10th annual César Chávez Breakfast at Providence College.
Vargas is founder of the advocacy group Define American.