Category Archive: Opinion Piece

Why Go Upstate?

Categories:

Opinion Piece

March 6, 2012

by ANGY

Sitting in an open area, filled with newly registered students, I hear my name being called. I step into the financial aid office at John Jay College of Criminal Justice in the hopes of finding answers to the many questions, doubts and uncertainties a soon to be college freshmen can have. I am welcomed by the administrator with the following command, “please type in your social security number.” A social security number that would help decide how much assistant I would receive. A nine-digit number that would help the computer figure out my whole history, numbers I do not have.

With tuition on the rise, the lack of financial assistance for undocumented youth and the failure of the federal Dream Act, states have taken matters into their own hands. In New York, we have spearheaded the New York Dream Act campaign. This bill, which was introduced on March 22 of last year, would provide equal access to financial aid for undocumented youth who meet the TAP and in-state tuition requirements. As it stands, to qualify for in-state tuition in New York, one must have graduated from a state high school or obtained a New York G.E.D, file an affidavit and show proof of domicile.

Efforts to pass the New York Dream Act have started even before this legislative session. A petition demanding that Albany pass the bill has been circulating for some time and NYSYLC youth have also arranged to take a trip upstate, today, March 6.

Photo Credit to Sonia G.

But, why go upstate?

Undocumented youth, and our supporters, are tired of waiting for something to happen legislatively. We are tired of being misrepresented, misunderstood and many times, excluded from the same discussions that would define our future. We are going to Albany to show the human face behind the numbers, to highlight the struggles and stories that go untold due to fear. We are going upstate because we cannot put our education on hold any more. I myself had to take a semester off from college due to the lack of financial aid and stable income. The New York Dream Act would help me, and many more students, be able to attend, finish and realize our dreams of holding in our hands that desired college diploma. Due to the lack of scholarships offered to undocumented students, many of us cannot graduate in four years and struggle to even work while attending school. The New York Dream Act would provide the financial aid assistance to finish school in a reasonable amount of time and better prepare us to give back to our community, our state. We are going to Albany because those most impacted by an issue should be the ones leading, speaking, mobilizing and organizing around efforts that would provide relief.

We are in a time where states are banning undocumented students from college in Georgia, racially profiling in Arizona and much more. We, New Yorkers, need to put our strength behind pro-immigrant state bills like the New York Dream Act which would set the example and push immigrant friendly dialogue to other states and our country as well.

Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty will always be landmark-reminders of the immigrants who came before us carrying their dreams and hopes for the future. Today, immigrants come with the same vision of a better life, and that starts with having access to education by signing the New York Dream Act into law.

-Angy

If you couldn’t go to Albany you can still be involved.

  • Let us know how the New York Dream Act would impact you
  • Follow us on twitter @NYSYLC @NYDreamAct #ActionNYDA and spread the word!
  • Like us on facebook and update your default picture to show support for the New York Dream Act as well as your status
  • Sign and share the petition and start a petition drive
  • Find out who your state senators and assembly members are and thank them or demand they support the New York Dream Act, find your senators here
  • Write a blog on tumblr, facebook, myspace or local paper
  • Distribute these New York Dream Act sheets
  • For more information or ways on getting active, email us at info@nysylc.org

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It Gets Better

Categories:

Opinion Piece

February 23, 2012

by Admin

It Gets Better…But does it?

Does it really get better for undocumented immigrant?

See, here’s the thing. When someone struggles in some area of life, very often we can say to them, you are not alone, there are others who are where you are now, and there are so many who are passed this. There is hope. Look at those who overcame.

Who can the undocumented Americans look at? Who is our hope in this case?

Sure, we are definitely not alone, but is there a future?

Take Jose Antonio Vargas of Define American. He came out to the world that he is an undocumented American. You say so what? It is a big deal. You see, Jose, is a journalist who went on winning a Pulitzer Prize, who met President Obama in the White House and I believe and built so much guilt within him that he decided he must do something.

He could have stayed hidden. And probably not got caught. But he opened up about the topic and it is why so many of us are having this conversation.

So some say he is an example of hope.

But sadly, he is not. He is just like us. Only difference is he was able to make it big with fake papers. Not sure if he is still using it or not, but now he goes around informing people of this topic. Of why it is so important to give us a chance. Who knows how many of us could become Pulitzer Prize winners.

I remember it clearly. When I was offered to get fake i.d.s so that I could drive like my friends, enter places without having to carry a passport, or just feel normal for the most part. Get a bank account. Social. The whole deal (minus global travels).

I said no. Some called me a fool. An idiot. But at that age of 17 I wanted to abide to the law. I said I will get papers the legit way. I wanted to be a true American. So yes, I now have massive limitations, some fear of deportation but I am not standing idle.

I am going to be honest. There were so many times I just wanted to end it. That the hassle wasn’t worth it. That I will never be legal. And perhaps, I wasn’t worthy to live. I felt trapped and often feel alone still today.

Yes, there are so many of me out there but there’s no one to look at. No one to say to us “there is hope”.

I felt in a funk the past few weeks. I have been writing much on this topic. Talking to many lawyers. Writing to politician (if they only really read what we write). Calling their offices. Letters to the White House.

And yet, nothing. I am still undocumented. It eats me up, it gets me down and I had allowed it to take me away from other projects feeling sad.

But here I am, as lonely as I feel, and as lonely many of you feel, there is indeed hope. There is a smile awaiting. “A future.”

Just go to YouTube and type in The Dream Act. Watch how some Senators take our stories to heart. Watch how united so many of us are in this issue. How we believe we can do so much for this country.

Yes, we have no one to look toward to for hope but I say screw that. Look at us. How many of us are volunteering HOURS for non profits. How many of us are leaders in our own way. It funny when you hear the President of the student body is often undocumented. I was and many I know were. It’s funny when they are the one leading departments in their schools or volunteer services in their community.

There is hope.

Yes, look at Jose. Look at how he decided to step up and say, “let’s define american“.

Look at me. I am no one special and yet I am here with you. I volunteer hours at non profits. I help small businesses become more profitable. I use my mind. I know you do to.

I create hope. Jose is creating hope. We are in this together creating hope.

I don’t know when this Dream Act will pass or if ever. But I do know as lonely as it will get out there, it will get better.

Written by: Roy Naim


Crossposted from here

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Undocu-interstatus-love

Categories:

Opinion Piece

February 14, 2012

by ANGY

I know that many of us are in relationships where our partner doesn’t know we lack that famous 9-digit number. Many of us are thinking of coming out to them because: it may be getting serious, we feel like we’re lying about who we are, etc. So here are a few ways of coming out on this special day. Feel free to add some as well!

  • Have a movie night and watch an immigration movie like A Better Life or Under the Same Moon. Afterwards explain why you picked this film.
  • Before going out to drink or dance show them your ID or passport (to not be embarrassed when you take it out in public) and tell them why you don’t have a state ID.
  • Since it’s the New York Dream Act Week of Action, ask if they support the New York Dream Act..depending on their answer you can tell them why it impacts you.
  • While cuddling, tell them about an article you read on undocumented youth. Guide yourself through this conversation depending on their answers, and finally, tell them you’re undocumented.
  • Let them know you’ve gotten involved in an organization that helps immigrant you. When they ask why, simply say that you are undocumented.
  • Tell them your story of self in third person…if it feels right..at the end say, “this story is true because this is story is about me.”
  • If you are going to meet their parents, tell them about your undocumented struggle. This shows you’re not hiding anything, being open about this is good.

Saying you’re undocumented will feel like the first time you said “I love you”. The only fear is how they will react, and if they will reject you. After you have said it, and they respond positively, it’ll get easier and easier to say. Do not be afraid we are here to provide support! And if they do not act positively…well…maybe they weren’t worth it in the first place ?

If you come out to your significant other, or their family, this year on Valentine’s Day, send us your story at Angy@nysylc.org.

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Immigration Flirtation
Thoughts While Coming Out
I <3 NY Dream Act
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