Just one week ago, I published an expose in the New York Times. It was my life story. I am an undocumented immigrant, an outlaw in my own country.

In the days since, I have been drowning in media requests, tearful letters, and powerful Facebook messages. I want to thank all of the individuals who have both challenged and supported me, and ask those who have not yet done so to join me.

I’ve left my job as a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and come out about my immigration status because it’s long past time to strike up a more civil, inclusive debate about immigration in America. It’s a risk, but I have a unique story to tell, and I was tired of staying silent.

Now, I’m launching the project “Define American.”     http://www.change.org/petitions/stand-with-me-jose-antonio-vargas-for-a-new-conversation-about-immigration?utm_source=action_alert&utm_medium=email&alert_id=priUkRVDLL_INmaVodArs

We may not all agree on how to fix it, but one thing we can all agree on is that our immigration debate is out of control and our immigration system is badly broken. I believe not only that we can do better, but that we must.

Will you sign the pledge to stand with me, Jose Antonio Vargas, in calling for a new national conversation on immigration? http://www.change.org/petitions/stand-with-me-jose-antonio-vargas-for-a-new-conversation-about-immigration?utm_source=action_alert&utm_medium=email&alert_id=priUkRVDLL_INmaVodArs

Some would say my story is the tale of a hard-working immigrant who defines the American dream: achieving success against great odds, working hard, and even earning a Pulitzer Prize for my reporting. Still, despite everything I’ve achieved, the law still says I am not technically an American. I am undocumented.

I want to ask my fellow Americans: What would you do, if you found out at age 16 that you didn’t have the right papers? As a journalist, my job is to ask questions that spark conversation. Now I am asking you to join in that conversation.

Sign the pledge to “Define American,” share it with everyone you know, and then leave us a comment about what you would do if you found out you were undocumented. I will bring your comments and stories with me as I head to the next round of media interviews.   http://www.change.org/petitions/stand-with-me-jose-antonio-vargas-for-a-new-conversation-about-immigration?utm_source=action_alert&utm_medium=email&alert_id=priUkRVDLL_INmaVodArs

We all have a story to tell, so let’s talk. Let’s debate. Most importantly, let’s listen.

All the best,

– Jose