Pen pal inspires Sen. Harry Reid on immigration reform

Reid embraces Silva at the Capitol on June 27, 2013. He carries a folder with letters from her that he read on the Senate floor before the historic vote on immigration reform. (J. Scott Applewhite / Associated Press)

Associated Press

July 11, 2013 7:07 PM PT

Astrid Silva, who came to the U.S. as a child, slipped notes to Harry Reid about the challenges of living here illegally. Years later, he had good news for her.

Blanca Gamez, left, and Silva cheer as Reid is introduced at an immigration reform event at the offices of the Culinary Workers Union Local 226 in Las Vegas on July 1. (Ethan Miller / Getty Images)