New York State Youth Leadership Council » immigrant youth

What to do if a cop stops you? Tips to staying alive…..

Admin — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 03:55:46 +0000

We have never felt safe in our community with the presence of NYPD and ICE and their joint programs. I personally never felt safe around cops ever since witnessing my friends being stopped and frisked for no apparent reason. We are all victims of the institutionalized racism and the prison industrial complex. This week alone NYPD has shot and killed 3 black men. Ridiculous right? The Physical abuse and the causalities by NYPD has been detrimental to our communities; makes you question “Whose next? Me?”

Watching the news made me think of the New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU)‘s Know Your Rights resources.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU’RE STOPPED BY THE POLICE

Stay calm and in control of your words, body language and emotions.
If asked about your immigration status? You do not have to answer.
Provide them with any ID you have on you. If they do not accept your ID, stay calm if they take you to the precinct.
Don’t get into an argument with the police.
[1] Never bad-mouth a police officer.
[1] Remember, anything you say or do can be used against you.
Keep your hands where the police can see them.
Don’t run.
Don’t touch any police officer.
Don’t resist even if you believe you are innocent.
[1] If you complain at the scene, or tell the police they’re wrong, do so in a non-confrontational way that will not intensify the scene.
Do not make any statements regarding the incident.
[1] If you are arrested, ask for a lawyer immediately.
Have an emergency contact ( family member; friend, organization)on you.
Remember officers’ badge numbers, patrol car numbers and physical descriptions.
Write down everything you remember ASAP.
Try to find witnesses and their names and phone numbers.
If you are injured, take photos of the injuries as soon as possible, but make sure you get medical attention first. Ask for copies of your medical treatment files.

To continue reading…. — >KNOW YOUR RIGHT’s If You Are Stopped by the Police

They are also available in:

For more Resources —>Other Know Your Right’s material

I am a Survivor…Now it is time to Stand for Yanelli!!!

SoniaG — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 15:00:39 +0000

I am undocumented, unafraid & survived depression and suicide.I came to this country at the age of 5. Every day and night I saw how my parents struggled as undocumented immigrants ; I saw how they were exploited and at points dehumanized not only at their place of work but in a country they considered home. I grew up learning and experiencing that I was not welcomed here. In media , in books , in laws I was consider an “illegal alien”, my humanity was constantly challenged. I was always dealing with depression but after graduating from High School I became suicidal; I went to sleep crying and began to cut myself. I am very thankful for the community that has shown me support. Resources for undocumented youth in forms of mental health, therapy, access to clinics and counseling are limited. When Joaquin Luna, an 18 year old Dreamer from Texas, who thought he too had no future took his own life their was an outcry from everyone and the question remained “How could we have helped? How could we have prevented it?” Yanelli is also suffering. Here we have a case where YOU can HELP and PREVENT!! You have the choice to help someone like me.PLEASE TAKE ACTION & make a call, sign the petition, spread this amongst friends so that Yanelli can recuperate. We have until Tuesday to stop this deportation and possibly save Yanelli’s life. So the question remains: Are you with us? Please Take Action!!!

Suicidal and Undocumented

Family bonds cut with sharp window glass
Household drenched in his red liquid despair
I could not understand why he would do that to himself
I made him cards shaped in hearts
Read to him my poems
Maybe I could remind him of his value
“ Daddy you are beautiful”

I could see his pain in his eyes
He water marked my pages with his tears
Exploitation
Being called “illegal”
Suffering
Depression
Daddy was not the same anymore

Hieroglyphics appeared on my wrist
Household drenched in my red liquid despair
I overflowed my journal pages with tears
There was no bed time stories

Instead of counting sheep, I counted scars
My white sheets covered in red
I wondered if this was as close I could get to an American flag
Family bonds cut with sharp window glass
Household drenched in his and mine red liquid despair
I now understand why he would do that to himself.

Crossing into what was suppose to be freedom
Razors kept crossing my wrist into what was suppose to be death
Broken windows into undocumented pain
Childhood was lost , my humanity challenged
I tried to color but everything was coming out in black and white

Exploitation.
Being called “illegal”
Suffering
Depression.
Deportation.
I was not the same anymore

Family bonds cut with sharp window glass
Household drenched in red liquid despair
Our surroundings tells us that we were not meant to survive
Lack of resources.
Denied access.
No health care.
No status.

Our community tells us that we are People
Recuperation.
Calling myself “undocumented”!
Empowerment.
Unafraid.
I was not the same anymore.

But…It continues.

On undocumented wrists

No numbers but scars

Hoping razors stop crossing back on forth!
Family bonds cut with sharp window glass
Household drenched in red liquid despair
Community drenched in red liquid despair

-Sonia Guinansaca

*Poem discussed my growing up in a household where depression and being suicidal was common. It eludes to my personal experience and show urgency in matters of depression, suicide, and mental health for undocumented community specially as the numbers of undocumented youth and suicide rises.

Same Skin Color Of Opposition

ANGY — Sun, 28 Aug 2011 18:46:46 +0000

Hey Angy, hope all is well. I’m a student from Arizona and I can’t begin to say how inspired, touched, and amazed I am at how this movement has gone through the country.
I was born here and only until recently, with all the awesome awareness that you beautiful people have committed, have I begun to become conscious of this immigration struggle. I was always involved with various organizations, volunteering with various causes and what struck me so passionately about the Dream Act was that it was something that was so hidden…or something that I suppose wasn’t of urgent issue, well obviously I wrong.
I’ve become involved on my school campus, joining the organization that advocates for the Dream Act and undocumented rights. However, I can’t help but feel out of place, besides the fact that the majority of them are undocumented. I feel a bit of guilt and shame sometimes. I do carry various privileges – that I see as blessings – but I help out every way I can. I’m genuinely down for this cause, but sometimes I catch some people looking at me with this face like, “what are you doing here”. The other day, we needed to go pick up some flyers and a banner across town, I volunteered to pay most for it and pick it up too; this one undocumented girl gave me a smirk with a concrete hint of annoyance.
It doesn’t happen too often, but at random times, it hits me and I think, “do they despise me?’ I know I may remind them of the same person who happens to have the same color of skin, speaks a certain way, the person that’s at the forefront of the opposition.
I’m always involved, I’m there for them 100%, so why do I get the (albeit very few) drops of disapproval? I’m not entitled to anything from them, I do what I can and stay out of their way, because I know it’s about letting them be heard. I know I should be the last person to feel like they’ve been victimized, but can a white person even be involved in a cause like this?
I don’t know, maybe its all in my head, but it just bothers me. I’d appreciate any advice or insight, thank you for all you do and to all those Dreamers out there, keep ya head up!
- Steward

Hello Steward. Thank you for taking a time out to e-mail me. I’m glad you did, this is an advice column for everyone not just undocumented people.

Privilege is something very common within this movement especially within undocumented and documented people. There are some who feel like there are undocumented people who are more privileged than others, but that’s another conversation.

When it comes to being an ally I’m not sure if there is a wrong or right way of doing something, but the only thing I am sure, I wouldn’t like something done half way. A very wise young man named Domenic once said that if an ally was to do half work they might as well not be an ally at all. He stated that when an ally says they are stepping down to let other youth step up suggests this idea that, “I could do so much more for you, but choose not to” which goes back to privilege and half-ass work. I personally, wouldn’t want to work with someone who feels the need to do things half way through.

The beauty of working with documented and undocumented people is the ability to show others that this issue does not affect just one group but everyone. When others see that documented people fight for immigrant rights too, it says something. You’re adding a voice and a story to this issue that no one has heard before and there is nothing wrong with that. I feel like the only problem that comes with this inter-status movement is when undocumented voices are being silenced. Documented people should amplify the stories that exist but not speak for others. We are working to provide a space for undocumented youth to lead and speak out but not to continue to be oppressed. Regardless of what you look like or what your status is I think everyone should be involved and there are many ways to do so. I’ve asked one of our great allies, Norma, about this issue and this is what she has to say:

Don’t let your status stop you from becoming active in the movement. If this is the one thing that is holding you back, breathe and remember you’re not alone. You may think that because you have papers, you shouldn’t participate. Or maybe you feel you are the face of the oppressor since you do have privilege. If you want to join the movement, do it and help out. Believe me, there’s a lot of work to do in order to carry out different campaigns, events, etc and we could always use the extra hands! Help out whether it is flyers, phone calls, event coordination, or take on those tasks that no one can do yet. Don’t let your status stop you, if you have a skill, share it (everyone needs a driver that could be you!)
There’s different people that participate in all types of movements: straights participating in the LGBTQ movement, private sector people supporting union members, different religious groups supporting the building on Mosques, just to name a few.
I can relate to your hesitance a bit, but you have to build the courage to join. Try it out first and see how you feel. Do you see yourself participating more? How do you feel? How do you see yourself growing in the group/organization? You don’t need any pre-requisite in order to join.
A side note: make yourself aware that what you have you didn’t choose, you were born into it. If you could, you would share it with others to have the same privilege as you. I know that by me having a status, I have a different perception. Of course you may not know the challenges faced by undocumented youth, or maybe you did at some point but you don’t live it every day.
In my honest opinion, what I feel sets this movement apart from others is the fact that it is always first and foremost undocumented, youth led and is one of a kind. As an ally, I find nothing more amazing than those that have been put down start going again the norm/status quo and bringing attention in unique styles. But then again that’s just my opinion, so feel free to reach out to your local state group and see how it works. Remember what you should be looking for is a group that represents their base.

Also, here is a very amazing and spunky post by Flavia who states some steps on how to come out as an ally. Everyone has a place in this movement; you’re just finding yours. Don’t stress it because sooner or later things will fall in place. It’ll take time, but I’m sure around you will understand you and accept you. In the mean time we have to start that dialogue.

Email or fill out this form with any questions, concerns, comments or just your own story. This is a space to let it all out! You don’t have to bottle it up inside. Whatever you write is up to you and you will not be judged. Your stories and worries matter! You are not alone. Remember, the insecurities and fears you have, someone else is them having too. Don’t be afraid to speak out.

If you are a fan of the Ask Angy posts..

The views expressed by the author on this post do not necessarily reflect the views of the New York State Youth Leadership Council (NYSYLC)

Queens Town Hall

Admin — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 11:00:52 +0000

The New York State Youth Leadership Council is taking the New York Dream Act on the road and directly to you!

We want to meet immigrant youth, parents, teachers and those that support their educational and civil rights.

This town hall is a safe space where you can share your immigrant story, come out as undocumented and unafraid, learn your rights as an undocumented New Yorker, hear from allies that stand with you, and find out 10 ways you can help make the New York Dream Act a reality. Don’t forget to RSVP HERE

Join us!
Sunday October 2nd
2pm-4pm
Immigrant Movement International
108-59 Roosevelt Ave
7Train to 111th street
info@nysylc.org

>ESPAñOL<
>BENGALI<

Celebrate with us our 4th Annual NYSYLC Awards Gala

Admin — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 08:00:04 +0000

The NYSYLC understands that it takes a community to build a leader. For that reason, we acknowledge our role in the community and strongly advocate for the equal access to higher education. Therefore, the awards were created to provide some financial support for exceptional youth, to excel academically and to sustain the leadership in our communities that will ultimately propel the advancement of communities and society as a whole.

We, the NYSYLC, would like to extend a cordial invitation to join us at our 4^th Annual NYSYLC Awards Gala where we will be honoring this year’s NYSYLC scholarship recipients and the community that supports them and fosters their leadership. The reception will be on Friday, August 19th, at 6:00PM at our office located on 220 5th avenue, 5th floor. New York, NY 10010. The tickets to attend our NYSYLC Awards Gala are a minimum donation of $8. Get your tickets in advance here http://bit.ly/awardsgala2011.

These are exceptional students who have overcome many obstacles, but still believe in the power of their dreams. We welcome them into our NYSYLC community and wish them the best in their future endeavors. We hope that you, as a valued ally of immigrant youth, will join us in this special gala celebrating the community that takes to build a leader.

To RSVP or for any questions contact us at scholarships@nysylc.org .

Best Regards,

The New York State Youth Leadership Council

The Silent Ones

Admin — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 13:49:08 +0000

“El valor de un hombre no se expresa por lo que tiene, sino por lo que es”– H.F. Amiel

The Silent Ones

We are shadows,
Walking among the people.
Seen by everyone.
Not acknowledged.
Silent shades that make
No sound as we

walk.
Shadows that
Are oppressed,
For not having nine forbidden digits.
Shrouds with no identity.
They call us:
Criminals.
Border Jumpers.
Leechers
Thieves.
And countless of names,
With no ending.
Everyone thinks:
We are after their magic,
And nothing else.
Detesting us.
Making us,
The silent ones.
In a bleak future,
Our dreams are far from our hands.
Walking on a daunting trail.
A passage of darkness!
A path with no escape!
A road full of thorns!
A course of despair!
Day and night,
Appraising our future.

Fearing!
Worrying!
Struggling!
Pleading for help,
They hear our cries.
Not caring for us.
Casting us away in the wind.
Many have deceived us with
False anticipations.
Hopes of becoming subjects
Of a magical land.

An enchanted place called:
Country of immigrants.
We,
The spirits with ambitions,
Fighting to the end.
Spilling blood
Until we are not disregarded anymore.

By-Roac

What’s the real problem?

SoniaG — Sat, 06 Aug 2011 20:29:23 +0000

Part of Latina Week of Action (August 1-5) National Latina Institute for Reproductive Health asked members of the community to answer the question “What’s the real problem?” when it comes to how immigrant women are treated.

“What’s the real problem?”
As an undocumented Latina, the real problem for a long time was the silencing of people’s voices whose story did not fit the norm (for example my story, my mom’s story and your story) . The framework around immigration or the dialogue around immigration did not consist of people that were actually undocumented or were actually immigrants. Politicians and “allies” saw it as their job to speak on our behalf. That is problematic because it assumes we want to be spoken for, it assumes we are not knowledgeable about the situation we are in; to us it is not a situation it is our lives.

Communities that have been marginalized from the dialogue have a voice and want their voice to be heard. The real problem is that this continues to occur in many spaces; continues to be the case when we speak about immigration and it continues to be the case when we speak about health care and access to it. The dialogue around affordable health care access seems to leave out Latinas, specifically undocumented Latinas. So when we ask “What’s the real problem?” The problem is that my story, my mom’s story, Tia’s story, your story is not acknowledged in many spaces, and furthermore our voices are preferred to be in silence. Immigrant women continue to be marginalized out of conversations.

Below is a poetry piece I wrote as I reflected on the silencing of our stories and voices.

Beautiful Silences

Beautiful silences.
Is that what you want to hear?
We have been trained to
Silence our identity
Muting off the creating of our ourselves
Wombs hushed
Ovaries disciplined into shhhh’s

Beautiful Silences.
Dehumanizing our awareness
Beautifully stilled in silence
Tongue biting on plastic security cards
Lips sewn by the same factories my mother worked in
With sun rising and sun setting, Mami was sewing her cuentos
Mi mami linda y fuerte but her story was shunned

Silencio en nuestra comunidad
Es una eternidad
Sin identidad

The reality of never having to hear
My own voice
In my own community
In my own home
My story never allowed to vibrate truths inside my eardrums

Beautiful silences.
Our stories
Noise to our oppressors
Opening my mouth is revolution enough
Salvation to my survival
Let me taste liberation’s first breath
Let me open my mouth wide enough to tell you:
Who I am!

Let there be traces of my story in your mouth when you wake up
Just enough for your tongue to swirl around the truths of myself
Just enough for you to remember this brown child stitching off her shame
Freeing her lips
Lips birthing out power
My mouth wide open
Your mouth wide open
Screaming UNDOCUMENTED!
Eardrums no longer incarcerated
It now hears my mom’s cuentos, your cuentos, tias’s cuentos
A rebirth of voice and who we are

I want to hear needles running away from the tormenting sweat shops
The laughing grim reaper shooting out from cop’s guns and hugging on to brown bodies
Let me hear the river grasping on to bodies desperate with hope to reach opposite shores
La migra’s hungry foot steps
The cries of children painfully echoing across borders following their deported parents
I want to hear the reality of our lives
No more beautiful silences!

I want to hear my mom’s foots steps bringing in the dawn
I want to hear her bendiciones and prayers
Let me hear the oceans of pain my mother hides in her purse
Mom teach me how to swim, let me dive with you
Let your story float on top and be the horizon

I want to hear all of it
I want to hear the sweat dripping off abuela’s forehead
The unsung birthday songs waiting impatiently next to pay phones
Let me hear the training wheels falling off
My trembling knees peddling into distances mom and dad could not reach
My parents care being interrupted by phone cords pulling them back to reality
The Sound of razors kissing my skin with betrayal
The frantic voice of a partner insisting care for his lover’s life
I want to hear the screams of children realizing nightmares are realities embodied on Bills
There is nothing scary in the closet
What frightens me is what’s waiting for me at the front door
And I want to hear the door open

I want to hear ME!
So today
Let me come out
No more speaking on my behalf
Let my mouth sing to you the melody of being undocumented
Let it sing off key
Let it be joined by a choir of community stories
Our cuentos
No more beautiful silences.