A Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist who worked for the Washington Post has publicly admitted he is an undocumented immigrant. In a lengthy New York Times magazine article, Jose Antonio Vargas said he has been hiding his true immigration status for nearly 20 years, causing him great personal turmoil. Originally from the Philippines, Vargas’ mother put him on a plane to the United States when he was 12 years old in the hopes of giving him a better life. In a videotaped message for his new project, Define American, Vargas said he hopes to spur discussion around the issue of immigration.

Jose Antonio Vargas: “I am an American. I just don’t have the right papers. I take full responsibility for my actions, and I’m sorry for the laws that I’ve broken. What would you do if you were a choir teacher and found out that a student in your glee club can’t travel for a competition? What would you do if you were a high school principal and found out that one of your students can’t apply for financial aid? What would you do if your child’s best friend didn’t have papers? As a journalist, I’ve decided to do what I know best: ask questions.”

Vargas says he was inspired to come forward by DREAM Act activists who publicly declared their undocumented status in an effort to pass legislation allowing undocumented children a path to citizenship.