Press Releases
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact: Samantha Nawrocki 734-585-8411
Jose Franco 313-721-5056
Students Will Continue to fight for their Futures
Students Lead Way for Immigrant Rights Movement
12/18/2010- Although today we did not get the passage of the DREAM Act (55-41), we are proud of the tremendous work of undocumented student leaders. These students were living in fear and now many of them have challenged that fear and decided to come out as undocumented and unafraid. Many have taken steps such as participating in direct actions including local Detroit youth.
Jose Franco, an undocumented youth, “This has been a long journey and I am disappointed the senate leadership chose politics over the right thing to do. At the same time, I am extremely proud of the sacrifice of undocumented youth. Many of them put their lives on hold to work on the DREAM Act. It is through their hard work that we are at this moment in immigrant rights.”
Since February of 2010, Local Detroit youth have done the following
-Organized rallies for the DREAM Act across Michigan
-Walked from Detroit to Ann Arbor on May 1st to show Obama the urgency of passing the DREAM Act
-Recruited hundreds of local community members to attend rallies in Washington D.C
-Participated in direct actions
-Made over 10,000 calls to Senators and Representatives.
-Helped stop the deportation of DREAMer Ivan Nikolov
Interviews with local DREAMers can be scheduled.
###
For Immediate Release
Media Contact: media@1michigan.org
Jose Franco- 313-721-5056
Samantha Nawrocki- 734-585-8411
Senate Vote on DREAM Act Scheduled for Saturday Morning
12.19.2010- The United States Senate will vote on the DREAM Act. This is a result of undocumented youth and their relentless passion for change.
As the vote unfolded One Michigan member and undocumented student Betty Rebolledo commented, “I remember going on a hunger strike a few months ago for the DREAM Act. It is amazing to think about the change that youth across the nation has created. I am happy for the vote today but I know this is only the first step. We still need to pass it in the Senate. I remain hopeful that the Senate will support this common-sense legislation.”
Three members are lobbying in Washington D.C including Jose Franco, “I am proud the House of Representatives looked pass partisan politics and decided to do the right thing for undocumented students. Not only is this the right thing to do for students but also for the economy. The DREAM Act would cut the deficit by 1.4 billion dollars. I don’t know how more common-sense this bill can get.”
These members have been lobbying all week and were able to meet with Representative John Dingell and Gary Peters. From sharing their powerful stories they were able to change their votes in favor of the DREAM Act.
Metro-Detroit Representatives were in full support of the DREAM Act. Representatives Conyers, Dingell, Levin, Peters, and Schauer voted all in favor.
One Michigan formed in February of 2009 and is a youth and undocumented led organization. Since its induction members from One Michigan have participated in the national strategy to win the DREAM Act.
In May of 2010, Mohammad Abdollahi, a gay, undocumented youth from Iran remained in Senator McCain’s office in Arizona. He was arrested and detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement. On July 20th, 2010 Jose Franco an undocumented youth from Detroit participated in a sit-in at the Capitol with 20 other undocumented students, the largest action of undocumented students. Lastly, on November 17th, Guillermo Mercado from Detroit remained in Senator McCain’s office in Washington D.C to ask Senator McCain for a chance to serve in the U.S Marines.
The DREAM Act will grant youth who entered the United States before the age of 16 a path to citizenship contingent on continuous presence in the country, good behavior, and the attainment of at least a two-year university degree or a two-year commitment to the armed forces.
###
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: Samantha Nawrocki (734)-585-8411 media@1michigan.org
Local Youth respond to Arrest of Undocumented Youth, Guillermo Mercado, organize a Vigil
11/17/2010- Today Guillermo Mercado a local undocumented youth participated in a sit-in at Senator McCain’s office in the Senate Hart Building along with 4 other undocumented youth. Each student was arrested and taken to the local police office. It is still unsure if local immigration enforcement will get involved. They are risking deportation but cannot wait any longer for congress to find a convenient time for them, they are tired of waiting.
Each youth has a dream of participating in the armed forces and are wearing the uniforms of the service they would want to join. They hope with the passage of the DREAM Act that they can finally obtain this dream.
At least 65,000 undocumented immigrant youth graduate from high schools every year, and many of them struggle to attend institutes of higher education and the military. The DREAM Act will grant youth who traveled to the United States before the age of 16 a path to citizenship contingent on continuous presence in the country, good behavior, and the attainment of at least a two-year university degree or a two-year commitment to the armed forces.
“I am here to tell Congress that I am willing to fight and die for this country. Thousands of students like me want Congress to stop playing politics. We are ready to serve, “says Guillermo, 19 from Detroit.
Guillermo came to the United States when he was just 4 years old. Ever since he was a child he had dreamed on become a U.S Marine. In high school he was an outstanding student that participated in the Junior ROTC program for 4 years. He is a member of One Michigan, a youth led organization that has been advocating for the passage of the DREAM Act. One Michigan was successful in stopping the deportation of Ivan Nikolov.
###
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact Mohammad: Cell 734.262.9705 or mo@dreamactivist.org
Undocumented Youth Risk Arrest Asking McCain for Opportunity to Serve
Six undocumented youth travel from across America to ask Senator John McCain to co-sponsor the DREAM Act so that they can serve and protect this nation.
12/17/2010, Washington D.C. – Today six undocumented youth arrive at their destination in Capitol Hill, the office of Senator John McCain, to once again ask for his support of the DREAM Act.
The DREAM Act is a bi-partisan piece of legislation that would grant conditional status to undocumented youth who complete at least a 2-year college degree or enlist to serve in the military. The bill currently has 40 co-sponsors in the Senate, including Senator Richard Lugar (R-IN), and 133 in the House.
One of the youth, Guillermo says he came to McCain’s office today because he looks up to the Senator: “Not too long ago, Senator McCain was a champion, he supported and rallied for us. I look up to him as a war hero and are only asking from him to give me the same opportunity he had to serve and protect this nation, I want to be Marine.”
“We risk it all because young people like ourselves love this country and can no longer wait on the side lines, we want to serve our communities.” says Gaby Pacheco, a DREAM Act student who participated in the Trail of Dreams a 1,500 mile walk from Miami to Washington D.C. to show the face of immigrants across the nation.
“I am queer, I am undocumented and I am unafraid. Today I am in our nation’s capitol asking Senator John McCain to take a stance in support of the DREAM Act, to support those of us who want to be educators or those of us who are willing to die for this nation.” Jorge Gutierrez is one of the five main characters in the documentary film “Papers: Stories of Undocumented Youth.” The film has been viewed by over 100,000 people in all 50 states. It chronicles the challenges undocumented youth face as they turn 18 without legal status. www.papersthemovie.com
In recent days an effort has been made by many Republicans to push for the only immigration legislation which has a chance of passing during the lame duck session. Rep. Lincoln Diaz-Balart recently stated: “We should stop hampering these deserving students’ educational opportunities due to the decisions of their parents and allow a vote on the American DREAM Act.”
In a September letter to Senator McCain Secretary of Defense Robert Gates wrote: “I support this initiative and appreciate your continued efforts to bring about this important policy change.”
The six students will be arriving at McCain’s office around noon and plan to stay until Senator John McCain puts forth his support of the DREAM Act.
###
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jose Franco: media@1michigan.org 313-721-5056
One Michigan holds screening of documentary “Papers,” showcasing lives of undocumented students.
8/25/2010- Detroit, Michigan. Detroit based group, One Michigan will be holding a screening of the documentary “Papers.” “Papers” follows the lives of undocumented students as they graduate high school and try to figure out life beyond high school and the many struggles they face.
One Michigan, a youth-led organization advocating for the DREAM Act, has been working to fight for undocumented students. Recently, two of their members have participated in sit-ins to urge congress to stand up and pass the DREAM Act now. Also, One Michigan played a major role in stopping the deportation of Ivan Nikolov, an undocumented student from Roseville, MI.
One Michigan hopes to engage the community and communities outside of the immigration issue in order to find common ground.
“We hope by inviting organizations that are not typically tied to the immigration issue that we can see how all of our causes unite” states Dayanna Rebolledo, a member of One Michigan.
One Michigan has invited local council members and representatives, LGBTQ organizations, educational issues organizations, and other social justice organizations.
Screening of Papers information:
Wednesday August 25th
6:00pm
8701 W. Vernor,
Detroit, MI
###
For Immediate Distribution
Contact:(National) Juan Escalante 407-602-8675 media@thedreamiscoming.com
(Michigan) Mary Woolley 313-804-0980
Friends, Family, and Michigan Community Members
Gather Outside Congressman Levin’s Office
Requests help for DREAM youth, Ivan Nikolov’s impending deportation
8/15/2010- Ivan’s family and friends gather outside Congressman Sandy Levin’s office hoping for justice
Confirmed Vigil Speakers:
August 15th. Friends, family, and Michigan community members gathered outside Congressman Levin’s office asking for his intervention in the case of yet another immigrant youth set to be deported. Ivan Nikolov has been held in a detention center for the last three months after a raid on his home. Ivan came to the country from Russia at the age of 11, and has spent the last decade in American schools and dreaming of attending college to study film and music.
“Ivan has a clean record, is a hard worker, and has big dreams. I don’t know what I’d do without him. Please give him the chance to stay and let him pursue an education,” stated Alanna Woolley, Ivan’s fiancée of 3 years.
Immigrant youth and DREAM Act advocacy groups like OneMichigan, DreamActivist.org, Immigrant Youth Justice League, as well as larger immigrants rights organizations like America’s Voice and Reform Immigration for America-Michigan to defer Ivan’s deportation have been working to defer Ivan’s deportation since last Monday, August 9th. They have made hundreds of phone calls and sent thousands of faxes to DHS offices. Ivan is currently in detention, and is facing deportation any day.
“Talent like his has been recognized in the past. Herta Lusho, another Michigan native and DREAM-eligible youth, was granted deferred action last year. We’re calling on DHS to recognize that Ivan’s case is nearly identical, and that deporting aspiring students is not the best policy,” stated Jose Franco, an immigrant youth and organizer with One Michigan.
“Ivan is an asset, not a liability to this country. For the sake of this community, for his friends, for his family, we must ensure that Ivan stays in the country,” stated Pastor Wesley Woods.
To contact Congressman Sandy Levin directly for his position on this matter, please contact his Home Office in Roseville at (586) 498-7122 or his Washington DC office: Phone: (202) 225-4961
###
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Media Contact: Samantha Nawrocki , samnaw@1michigan.org 734-585-8411
UNDOCUMENTED STUDENT FACES TRIAL AFTER SIT-IN
8/4/2010Washington, D.C, Jose Franco, an undocumented student from Detroit will go to the Superior Court of the District of Columbia to face charges of trespassing on August 12th. This is following the sit-in at the Senate Hart Building. Jose along with 20 other undocumented students were arrested on July 20th. Being undocumented, Jose is risking deportation as Immigration and Customs Enforcement may take his case at any moment.
He is risking deportation to a country he does not know. Jose came to the United States from Mexico when he was just two years old. Growing up he did not know what it meant to be undocumented until high school. When he saw his friends applying to colleges, he became depressed and wanted to give up on school because he knew he would not be able to continue his education because of his status. When he heard about the DREAM Act, he became hopeful and saw the DREAM Act as an opportunity to continue his dream of becoming a lawyer. He continues to fight for the DREAM Act and is risking deportation to show the urgency of passing the DREAM Act now.
In response to the onslaught of enforcement-based immigration law and lack of action by congressional leadership Jose and the 20 other undocumented staged a sit-in at the capitol building, and urged congressional leadership to champion the DREAM Act and the values it represents: hard work, education, and fairness.
Jose, a lead organizer for the youth-led immigrant rights group, One Michigan states, “I cannot be afraid anymore. When my mother brought me here when I was 2 years old, she had dreams for me and I know the dream she has for me now is to go on to college and see that the DREAM Act pass to make this happen. I am not afraid of ICE taking my case, I am doing this for my mother and for my community.”
At least 65,000 undocumented immigrant youth graduate from high schools every year, and many of them struggle to attend institutes of higher education and the military. The DREAM Act will grant youth who traveled to the United States before the age of 16 a path to citizenship contingent on continuous presence in the country, good behavior, and the attainment of at least a two-year university degree or a two-year commitment to the armed forces.
###
For Immediate Release
Samantha Nawrocki734-585-8411, samnaw@1michigan.org
DETAINED in Washington D.C: Twenty Student Immigrant Leaders
Peacefully Resist Current Immigration Law, Urge Passage of DREAM Act
Michigan organizer and community leader, Jose Franco, 24, amongst students detained. He was part of a group of youth participating in a three day action in Washington D.C highlighting the criminalization of undocumented immigrants and the need to pass the DREAM Act.
7/20/2010Washington, D.C, during a three-day action to urge congressional leadership to take action and pass the DREAM Act, undocumented Detroit student, Jose Franco along with 20 other undocumented students were arrested following a sit-in at the Capitol Building.
These twenty leaders are risking deportation from the United States in the hope that this action will make a significant contribution to the fight for immigrant rights. In response to the onslaught of enforcement-based immigration law and lack of action by congressional leadership they staged a sit-in at the capitol building, and urged congressional leadership to champion the DREAM Act and the values it represents: hard work, education, and fairness.
Jose, a lead organizer for the youth-led immigrant rights group, One Michigan states, “I came here to tell congress enough is enough, it is time that they stop playing politics with our lives and pass the DREAM Act now!”
Jose came to the United States from Mexico when he was just two years old. Growing up he did not know what it meant to be undocumented until high school. When he saw his friends applying to colleges, he became depressed and wanted to give up on school because he knew he would not be able to continue his education because of his status. When he heard about the DREAM Act, he became hopeful and saw the DREAM Act as an opportunity to continue his dream of becoming a lawyer. He continues to fight for the DREAM Act and is risking deportation to show the urgency of passing the DREAM Act now.
At least 65,000 undocumented immigrant youth graduate from high schools every year, and many of them struggle to attend institutes of higher education and the military. The DREAM Act will grant youth who traveled to the United States before the age of 16 a path to citizenship contingent on continuous presence in the country, good behavior, and the attainment of at least a two-year university degree or a two-year commitment to the armed forces.
###
For Immediate Release
Media Contact: Samantha Nawrocki 734-585-8411
ONE MICHIGAN HOLDS OBSTACLE COURSE TO REPRESENT THE STRUGGLES OF UNDOCUMENTED STUDENTS
6/16/10- One Michigan, a youth-led state wide organization fighting for the passage of the DREAM Act will hold an obstacle course at Clark Park (1130 Clark St). Students from local elementary schools along with community members will attend the obstacle course. The obstacle course will represent the different struggles of undocumented students. This event is in solidarity with the court date of the undocumented students who were arrested following a sit-in at John McCain’s office. They will be facing criminal charges of trespassing. This event is also in coordination with nationwide actions taking place on this date.
Beginning at the obstacle course, children will receive a balloon that represents the dreams of undocumented students. However, due to the lack of action by congress on the DREAM Act the balloons will be popped at the end to signify their dreams being denied. There will be more obstacles that represent the 65,000 undocumented students that graduate high school every year and struggle to attend institutes of higher education and the military. The DREAM Act will grant youth who came to the United States before the age of 16 a path to citizenship contingent on continuous presence in the country, good behavior, and the attainment of at least a two-year university degree or a two-year commitment to the armed forces.
During the obstacle course event, undocumented students will share their stories and why the DREAM Act is so important to them. Also, there will be parents that will read letters of support for the DREAM Act. In these letters parents will call upon Senator Stabenow to co-sponsor the DREAM Act.
During the past few weeks, students went on a hunger strike, collected supporter cards, wrote letters, and organized call-in days. However, Senator Stabenow has not co-sponsored the DREAM Act. Students hope that with this action Senator Stabenow will stop ignoring them. Students want Senator Stabenow, who represents them and their communities, to stop playing politics with their lives, stand up, and co-sponsor the DREAM Act now!
###
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: Priscila Martinez – (734) 306.0780, martinez.priscila@gmail.com
Students Demand Answers from Stabenow
5/21/10, students across Michigan are feeling frustrated by the lack of response from Senator Debbie Stabenow regarding the DREAM Act. Students in Lansing, Pontiac, Grand Rapids, and Detroit have organized call-ins throughout the week. They have dropped off supporter cards.
On Tuesday, 7 students started a hunger strike urging Senator Stabenow to co-sponsor the DREAM Act. After many calls to her office, they were told that she was aware that the students were on a hunger strike. However, the hunger strike students still have not received a meeting or a response from Senator Stabenow. On Wednesday, students organized a picket at her office in Detroit. On Thursday, students held a rally in Lansing where they were able to speak to Senator Stabenow’s state director. Still no response from Senator Stabenow.
Senator Stabenow co-sponsored the DREAM Act in 2007 and students are wondering why she has not stepped up and co-sponsored it this year. Luz Meza, one hunger striker states, “I have to wonder why she is no co-sponsoring, is she playing politics? If she is, she needs to stop playing politics with our lives and the lives of thousands of students.”
Mohammad Abdollahi, one of the undocumented students arrested and detained in Tuscon, Arizona following a sit-in at Senator John McCain’s office, states following his release, “We are relieved to be released from ICE, however our hearts go out to all of the DREAM beneficiaries we made while we were being detained, all of whom were deported because they did not have the same support we did. We ask that leaders within both the Senate and our communities take the same stand we did and push for the DREAM Act to become a reality this year,” said Mohammad. “Senator Stabenow (D-MI), you are one of these leaders, recognize my dream and my friends dreams and co-sponsor the DREAM Act. Enough is enough,” he concluded.
Today, students plan to march to Senator Stabenow’s office starting at 4:30pm to Debbie Stabenow’s Office located at 243 W. Congress. Students plan to enter her office and demand answers. Senator Stabenow is their representative and is turning her back on her youth constituencies. They are demanding that Senator Stabenow stand up and co-sponsor the DREAM Act NOW!
###
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: Samantha Nawrocki – (734) 585.8411, samnaw@1michigan.org
STARVING: Seven Students go on Hunger Strike to Urge Stabenow’s Co-Sponsorship of the DREAM Act
5/18/2010- Dayanna, 20, Betty, 17, Angeles, 18, Maribel 20, Vicki 21, Luz 20, and Vanessa, 18, from Detroit and Canton have decided to go on a Hunger Strike until Senator Stabenow co-sponsors the DREAM Act and stand ups and demands that the DREAM Act be passed. These actions are in solidarity with the three undocumented students who were detained following a sit-in at Senator John McCain’s office.
Inspired by the courage of Mohammad “Mo” Abdollahi, who has risked being deported to Iran, where he would most certainly face capital punishment for his sexual orientation, local students have been motivated to mobilize and make the DREAM Act a reality.
Striker Dayanna along with her sister Betty, are amongst the undocumented students taking part in the strike. Dayanna states, “I went to school here, I played sports, I was in the band, I’m a normal student, and a piece of paper shouldn’t change that.”
Angeles, an undocumented student, has a 3.6 G.P.A and is ranked 15 out of 300 in her class. She has received numerous citizenship and honor awards. She states, “The thought of so many students like me that struggle through pain and tears upsets me. The thought that these students, who place all of their effort on their education, cannot attend the very best schools angers me! No student, no person, no human being should be denied the chance for higher education because of where they come from, I will starve for every one of these students in order to get our representative Debbie Stabenow to stand up and pass the DREAM Act NOW! “
Luz, a student at the University of Michigan, was recruited by Mohammad encouraged her to fight for the DREAM Act. She say , “Mo was like an older brother and mentor all at the same time.” She is joins the strike inspired by the risk her close friend is taking and knows this struggle cannot end without the passage of the DREAM Act.
These strikers along with the other four students are starving for their dreams and the dreams of the thousands of undocumented students who asking for the passage of the DREAM Act.
###
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
National Media Contacts: Juan Escalante (407) 602-8675, Flavia de la Fuente (949) 910-6362 media@thedreamiscoming.com
Local Media Contacts: Samantha Nawrocki (734) 585-8411 samnaw@1michigan.org, Priscila Martinez (734) 306-0780 martinez.priscila@gmail.com
DETAINED in Arizona: Four Student Immigrant Leaders
Peacefully Resist Current Immigration Law, Urge Passage of DREAM Act
Michigan organizer and community leader, Mohammad Abdollahi, 24, amongst students detained. He is part of a group of youth participating in escalating actions across the country highlighting the criminalization of undocumented immigrants and the need to pass the DREAM Act.
As of 6:00 PM PST today, Mohammad, Yahaira, and Lizbeth have been arrested and detained after their day long sit-in at Senator John McCain’s Office in Tucson, AZ. Tania, who was not detained, has been designated as spokesperson and will be relating the experiences/thoughts of the group during the action. Senator John McCain offered the students a meeting in order to discuss the Dream Act, however, the students recognize that this is insufficient and that immediate action is needed to pass the DREAM Act!
Tucson, Arizona. May 17th, on the anniversary of landmark civil rights case Brown v. Board of Education, Arizona law enforcement arrested four undocumented leaders of the immigrant student movement in addition to Arizona native Raul Alcaraz. Lizbeth Mateo of Los Angeles, California; Tania Unzueta of Chicago, Illinois; Mohammad Abdollahi of Ann Arbor, Michigan; and Yahaira Carrillo of Kansas City, Missouri; were detained Tucson, Arizona, after staging a sit-in at Senator John McCain’s office. With this challenge to local and federal law, these youth hope to highlight the urgency of legislative action in Congress, and catalyze mass grassroots mobilization to pass the DREAM Act before June 15th.
These four leaders are risking deportation from the United States in the hope that this action will make a significant contribution to the fight for immigrant rights. In response to the onslaught of enforcement-based immigration law, they staged a sit-in at Senator McCain’s office, and urged congressional leadership to champion the DREAM Act and the values it represents: hard work, education, and fairness.
Lizbeth, 25, an organizer with DREAM Team Los Angeles, states, “There are already ten other states across the country considering immigration legislation similar to Arizona’s: legislation that is anti-family, anti-democratic, and anti-freedom. Police states and enforcement are quickly becoming the standard, and we are running out of time. We are going to pass the DREAM Act because it is based on freedom and equality.”
Mohammad, 24, co-founder of DreamActivist.Org, a resource web portal for undocumented students, said in a statement: “Never in our history has it been American to deny people their civil rights. We have decided to peacefully resist to encourage our leaders to pass the DREAM Act and create a new standard for immigration reform based on education, hard work, equality, and fairness. ”
At least 65,000 undocumented immigrant youth graduate from high schools every year, and many of them struggle to attend institutes of higher education and the military. The DREAM Act will grant youth who traveled to the United States before the age of 16 a path to citizenship contingent on continuous presence in the country, good behavior, and the attainment of at least a two-year university degree or a two-year commitment to the armed forces.
“During the civil rights movement, African-American students were arrested for sitting down at lunch counters. We’ve been detained for standing on a sidewalk. We can’t wait any longer for the DREAM Act to pass,” said Tania, 26, co-founder of the Immigrant Youth Justice League, and immigrant rights organizer in Chicago.
All four are leaders in their own communities and have dedicated years to work for immigrant rights, legalization for undocumented immigrants, and the DREAM Act. “Dr. King spoke of a dream of equality overcoming fear. Well, the fierce urgency of our dreams has overcome any kind of fear we may have had before. We can’t wait,” concluded Yahaira, 25, a founder of the Kansas Missouri Dream Alliance.
###
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
National Media Contacts: Juan Escalante (954) 397-3175, Flavia de la Fuente (949) 910-6362, media@thedreamiscoming.com
Local Media Contacts: Samantha Nawrocki (734)585-8411 samnaw@1michigan.org, Priscila Martinez (734)-306-0780 martinez.priscila@gmail.com
CHALLENGE in Arizona: Four Undocumented Student Leaders
Resist Current Immigration Law, Urge Passage of DREAM Act
Michigan organizer and community leader, Mohammad Abdollahi, 24, amongst students urging the passage of the DREAM Act. He is part of a group of youth participating in escalating actions across the country highlighting the criminalization of undocumented immigrants and the need to pass the DREAM Act.
Phoenix, Arizona. Yesterday, May 17th, on the anniversary of landmark civil rights case Brown v. Board of Education, four leaders of the immigrant youth movement staged a sit-in at Senator McCain’s office. Lizbeth Mateo of Los Angeles, California; Tania Unzueta of Chicago, Illinois; Mo Abdollahi of Ann Arbor, Michigan; and Yahaira Carrillo of Kansas City, Missouri; coordinated a “coming out” action in front of the Senator’s office to highlight the urgency of legislative action in Congress, and catalyze mass grassroots mobilization to pass the DREAM Act before June 15th. All four were released.
All four are leaders in their own communities and have dedicated years to work for immigrant rights, legalization for undocumented immigrants, and the DREAM Act. In response to the onslaught of enforcement-based immigration law, they staged a “coming out” action in front of the office of Senator John McCain, and urged congressional leadership to champion the DREAM Act and the values it represents: hard work, education, and fairness.
Lizbeth, 25, an organizer with DREAM Team Los Angeles, states, “There are already ten other states across the country considering immigration legislation similar to Arizona’s: legislation that is anti-family, anti-democratic, and anti-freedom. Police states and enforcement are quickly becoming the standard, and we are running out of time. We are going to pass the DREAM Act because it is based on freedom and equality.”
Mo, 24, co-founder of DreamActivist.Org, a resource web portal for undocumented students, said in a statement: “Never in our history has it been American to deny people their civil rights. We have decided to urge our leaders to pass the DREAM Act and create a new standard for immigration reform based on education, hard work, equality, and fairness. ”
At least 65,000 undocumented immigrant youth graduate from high schools every year, and many of them struggle to attend institutes of higher education and the military. The DREAM Act will grant youth who traveled to the United States before the age of 16 a path to citizenship contingent on continuous presence in the country, good behavior, and the attainment of at least a two-year university degree or a two-year commitment to the armed forces.
“During the civil rights movement, African-American students were arrested for sitting down at lunch counters. We could have been detained simply for standing on a sidewalk. We can’t wait any longer for the DREAM Act to pass,” said Tania, 26, co-founder of the Immigrant Youth Justice League, and immigrant rights organizer in Chicago.
These four leaders risked deportation from the United States in the hope that this action would make a significant contribution to the fight for immigrant rights. “Dr. King spoke of a dream of equality overcoming fear. Well, the fierce urgency of our dreams has overcome any kind of fear we may have had before. The DREAM Act can’t wait anymore. We can’t wait anymore,” concluded Yahaira, 25, a founder of the Kansas Missouri Dream Alliance.
National Press Conference
Tuesday May 18th
9 AM Pacific, 11 PM Central, Noon EST
In front of Senator John McCain’s office:
407 West Congress Street
Tucson, AZ 85701
Local Press Conference
Tuesday May 18th
12:30PM EST
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church
218 West Ottawa Street
Lansing, MI 48933-1374
###
