Teen refugee from Honduras awaits asylum decision

WAUKEGAN, Ill. (WLS) -- A young Central American refugee will start high school here in the fall while a judge prepares to rule in October on her request for asylum.

Maryori Contreras asked for asylum at a hearing Monday morning. The judge in the case told her to be back in court on October 28 for a decision. The recent 8th grade graduate says she left Honduras on her own because of gang threats and hopes to stay in the U.S.

"I want to stay here because, for my future. I wanna be a good person. I want to help the country. I want to study and be a doctor," Contreras said.

Maryori's mother is staying with her in Waukegan until the judge makes his decision.