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Hi Angy,
Call me Erika. I was reading about the New York DREAM Act and hearing about it puts a smile on my face. Knowing that more and more states are realizing the potential that illegal immigrant students have amazes me.
I live in New Jersey and came to the United States when I was 1.5 months old. My mom had many chances of becoming legal and having me become legal as well, but her pride got the best of her. Till this day I’m still stuck in the shadows.
I recently turned 18, now I want to start doing things on my own. I find it horrible that people would be against illegal young children and adolescents, it makes no sense they were practically raised here! Take me as an example, my first medical records EVER and all my shots are from HERE!
I want to continue school and work with animals; that’s my passion. I would like to know if there is ANYTHING I can do to help or get myself involved in this and I’m thinking about moving to New York because in Middlesex County College they treat illegal immigrants like trash which is why I haven’t even applied to school here and my dad wants me to. I refuse. I know there are schools out there willing to help me, so why should I go to a school that will make my life hell?
Please let me know if there is ANYTHING I could do would you please let me know? What colleges would you recommend for me?
From a faithful supporter.

Erika, thank you so much for your E-mail and for wanting to get involved in the movement. It’s great knowing that youth from all over want to step up to the plate and fight for immigrant rights. It makes me happy to know that the work we do is not all in vain.

Many times we have the power and potential to organize within our communities but don’t notice it. There are many things you can do! You mentioned that your community is not welcoming towards undocumented youth; there is a project waiting to happen right there. If you do decide to stay in New Jersey there are many ways to organize and the work is never over. I know New Jersey needs your help to get in-state tuition laws passed with the ultimate goal of getting a bill passed that is similar to the Dream Act but at a local level. You can also raise awareness by dropping the I word and getting others to do it as well, no human being is “Illegal”.

Consider joining an organization in New Jersey that is accepting of undocumented students and reach out to different schools to spread the word to other youth. Create a club, educate others about undocumented youth using presentations, workshops and more. Many times those who are against us don’t really know the whole face of this issue; it’s good to shed some light on it. You can do this by hosting a movie screening or by simply coming out at an event, meeting, and/or in class, that alone creates awareness. Remember that the organizations that have been formed already weren’t there before and it all started with a person or group of people who wanted to do something about an issue that was affecting them. We all started somewhere.

Erika, If you do decide to come live in New York there are a couple of schools that offer animal related career courses from Vets to Vet Techs and more. Schools like: Mercy College, Cornell University, New York University, CUNY LaGuardia Community College, SUNY Canton, CUNY Bronx Community College and many more all you have to do is look into them. Some may be private colleges, some of state colleges (SUNY) and some are city colleges (CUNY). The fees may vary because you would be an out of state or international student depending on where you apply. Don’t hesitate in applying to private colleges because some don’t mind funding undocumented students all we need to do is ask. Also, if you get turned down, I know it may seem a little hard and sad but don’t feel discouraged because there is help and there is a way to go to school.
If you do come to New York you might as well join the NYSYLC [:!

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 bottled 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)

Continue reading »]]> What’s Happening The Week of July 25th?

Tuesday July 26 @ 12:30pm
We will be having a march and rally in front of Bronx Community College for Julio who is in danger of deportation. Join us! CUNY BCC 2155 University Avenue, Bronx, NY. For more info click here
Email info@nysylc.org for more info

Wednesday July 27 @ 6:30pm
We will be having our bi-weekly support group meeting. 220 5^th Ave 2nd floor This is an open space where youth can express themselves openly without fear of being judged or pressured. Email Angy@nysylc.org

Wednesday July 27th @6:30pm
The Brooklyn DREAM Team will be having a meeting. If you are interesting in organizing Brooklyn, come to our office! Email info@nysylc.org for more info

Thursday July 28 @ 6:30pm
NYSYLC will be having a media and outreach team meeting. If you have creative ways of outreaching and getting the word out about this movement this is the meeting for you! Email daniela@nysylc.org for more info

Thursday July 28th @6:30pm
The Queens DREAM Team will be having a meeting to finalize different events and initiatives to organize Queens. Come join us at our office!
Email info@nysylc.org for more info

Saturday July 30 @ 1:00pm
We will be having a group outing to get to know each other outside of our office. We understand that working together in the immigrant rights movement can be tiring and so this will be something we can all enjoy and relax. Even activist need a break! Meet us in Columbus Circle right off the 1 train under the globe. Bring food, drinks, games and friends! Those who are empty handed..there is a suggested donation of $5.
Contact Norma@nysylc.org  for more information.

Much Love,
The NYSYLC Team

Continue reading »]]> What’s Happening The Week Of June 20th?

Monday June 20 @ 6pm
The Scholarship Deadline HAS BEEN EXTENDED UNTIL JUNE 27. Hurry up and send in those applications because you still have time!

Wednesday June 22 @6:30pm
Come to our support group from 6:30pm – 8.
This is a safe space where people can open up and talk about anything without being judged. There are things we all face and don’t find the support needed, the NYSYLC offers that.

Saturday June 25 @ 11:30am-2pm
Our first Town Hall dedicated to the New York Dream Act will be held on Saturday, June 25th at the New Dorp Moravian Church, 2205 Richmond Road, Staten Island, NY 10306 starting at 11:30am. We would greatly appreciate your continued support by attending this event.

Continue reading »]]> NYSYLC SCHOLARSHIP DEADLINE EXTENDED

The NYSYLC, understands the financial hardships immigrant youth go through when continuing their education. For that reason, for the fourth consecutive year we are glad to announce the launching of our NYSYLC Leadership Awards that aims to financially support our members regardless of their immigration status based on their academic achievement, community involvement, financial need and commitment to the immigrant rights movement.

Requirements:
* Registered Active Member of the New York State Youth Leadership Council
* Currently a graduating high school senior planning to attend college in the fall of 2011, or a student attending college in New York or New Jersey (priority given to undergraduate students)
* Is engaged or wishes to become engaged with the immigrant rights movement.
* Have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher (on a scale of 4.0) upon application. May apply with GPA of less than 2.5 with one additional letter of recommendation.
* If awarded, must attend a mandatory two-day leadership training developed by the NYSYLC on Saturday, July 16th and Sunday, July 17th
* If awarded, must attend the awards ceremony held in the NYC area (place and time TBA)

DOWNLOAD FORM AND APPLY NOW!!

spread link widely: http://bit.ly/YLCscholarship

All applications must be postmarked by Monday, June 27th, 2011

Mail or drop-off your application to:

The New York State Youth Leadership Council Leadership Awards Program

220 5th Avenue, 5th Floor

New York, NY 10010

To become a NYSYLC active member fill out the online membership form at http://bit.ly/becomeYLCmember or fill out the MEMBERSHIP FORM and include it with your application along with the membership due.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at 347-755-3303

OR send an e-mail to scholarships@nysylc.org

Continue reading »]]> The NYSYLC Applauds Governor Cuomo’s Suspension of New York’s Participation in “Secure Communities”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Contact: Daniela Alulema 646-472-9565

New York, N.Y. – The NYSYLC applauds Governor Cuomo’s decision today to suspend New York State’s participation in the “Secure Communities” program in all counties in New York. The federal program’s stated goal is to deport individuals convicted of serious crimes that pose a threat to community safety. It was introduced in New York without any public input or notice. But it has come under fire for not meeting its goals while eroding civil liberties and discouraging cooperation between immigrants and police officers.

Governor Cuomo’s action today is a victory for the people of New York, especially immigrants and people of color. By suspending New York’s participation in this program, Governor Cuomo is also standing with law enforcement officers across the state and nation, many of whom have expressed great concern about the impact Secure Communities is having on their ability to do their job of keeping us all safe.

We are proud of Governor Cuomo for taking this bold step. With his action, Governor Cuomo continues New York’s great legacy of being a welcoming state for immigrants and a strong supporter of civil rights for all. In light of this progressive decision, we urge our governor to support pro-immigrant measures, such as the New York DREAM Act, that will aid undocumented youth by providing them certain benefits such as driver’s licenses and work authorization. This bill will make our state a stronger economy and will allow undocumented New York youth to accomplish their dreams and contribute to the greatness of our state.

For media inquiries, contact Daniela 646-472-9565

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The NYSYLC is a youth led organization that seeks to improve access to higher education and creating equal opportunity for immigrant youth and children of immigrants, regardless of immigration status through leadership development, organizing and advocacy.

Twitter: @nysylc
Facebook: www.facebook.com/nysylc

Continue reading »]]> Yesterday, Thursday September 16th Dream activitsts and allies all over the country flooded Senate offices with calls in support of the Dream Act. A total of 10,264 calls were made, 997 of them from NY! We need to continue calling so that our Senators all over the country know that they need to VOTE ‘YES’ ON THE DREAM ACT attached as an amendment to the Defense Authorization Bill next week.

Here in NY, we need to continue pressuring SEN. CHARLES SCHUMER AND REP. NYDIA VELAZQUEZ, who have yet to shown leadership and step up for the Dream Act. While the CHC came out in support of the Dream Act this week, REP. VELAZQUEZ still has not cosponsored the Dream Act. This is why we’re rallying and showing our power next Tuesday, Sept. 21st to SEN. SCHUMER’S OFFICE. Spread the word & see you there!

MARCH & RALLY FOR DREAM TO SENATOR SCHUMER’S OFFICE~

• Tuesday, September 21st
• Location: NYC Public Library, 5th Ave and 41st Street @ 12 noon
• March to Sen. Schumer’s Office, 757 3rd Ave, 47th St @ 1pm
• NOTE: We will be marching on 42nd St east to 3rd Ave and then up to 47th St
• For more info, contact martin@nysylc.org

For flyering purposes, use the quarter sheet fliers.

Spread the work, link this flyer @ http://bit.ly/dreamrally!

Continue reading »]]> IMPORTANT UPDATE ~ Vigil Tonight (Wednesday) has been moved to Velazquez’ Lower East Side office:

173 Avenue B, New York, NY

On August 9th, immigrant students, supporters and community members will start 4 days of intense action to demand Rep. Nydia Velazquez and Sen. Chuck Schumer to lead efforts for the immediate passage of the DREAM Act.

After several legislative visits and requests, Rep. Velazquez remains the only NYC representative who has not co-sponsored the DREAM Act, a bill that will grant immigrant youth 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 in the military.

In the past few days, Sen. Schumer introduced and successfully passed with GOP support a border enforcement-only bill. However, there has been no action or effort from the Democratic leadership to pass a legalization benefit for our immigrant communities. The DREAM Act is a bill that has bipartisan support and has the potential to be passed as a stand-alone measure, yet Sen. Schumer has not taken any action.

During these actions, students, parents, teachers and other community members will join to demand Rep. Velazquez and Sen. Schumer to support education for immigrant youth and immediate action for the passage of the DREAM Act. The 4-day program is as follows:

Monday, August 9th
CALL IN DAY
Call Nydia Velazquez and say “Hi my name is —-. My parents came to this country to provide a better future for me. The Dream Act is the only path i have to realize my family’s dreams. So I am calling to ask Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez to take leadership and pass the Dream Act as a stand alone measure now!”
DC office: (202) 225-2361
Brooklyn Office: (718) 599-3658
Lower East Side Office: (212) 673-3997

Tuesday, August 10th
COMMUNITY GATHERING for the DREAM Act
@ Tompkins Park at 5pm
Near the corner of Avenue B and East 8th Street.
Come, meet community leaders and members to find out what is the Dream Act and what it means for undocumented students who want to continue their education and fulfill their dreams.
There will be live music and appetizers.

Wednesday, August 11th
Velazquez Stop killing our DREAMs! March
FROM 173 Avenue B New York, NY 10009
TO 266 Broadway, Suite 201, Brooklyn, NY 11211
Meeting at 2:30pm on avenue B
Vigil from 4pm (estimated time of arrival)
contact martin@nysylc.org for more information

All day Vigil for the Dream Act
Starting at 4pm on 266 Broadway, Suite 201, Brooklyn, NY 11211
Come and let Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez to stop killing the Dreams of immigrant students who want to give their full potential to realize their parents and families dreams.
contact martin@nysylc.org for more information

Thursday, August 12th
March to Schumer’s office for the Dream Act
Starting at 10am
FROM: 266 Broadway, Suite 201, Brooklyn, NY 11211
TO: Senator Shumer office located on
757 Third Avenue from when we get there till 5pm.
Enough is Enough, We want our representatives to stop killing our dreams. We want Schumer to invest on education and not on criminalizing immigrants.
contact martin@nysylc.org for more information