No, your eyes are not tricking you.

In less than five days the Trotta siblings will be deported to Venezuela. After a failed asylum petition and a move to Florida, both Gianfranco and Mariana Trotta have been struggling to keep their dreams to pursue higher education afloat.

Take a moment to read Gianfrancos’s personal story. He is a talented musician who graduated with top honors from Cypress Bay High School in Weston, Florida. His sister Mariana is also in the same path, earning top marks in her scool.

Both of them are facing deportation on January 31st. Now wait a second, I thought President Obama said “no more” to the deportations of immigrant youth? Well, here you have it. Another deportation, another day for the Obama administration.

Help us keep the Trotta siblings in the United States. Sign this petition and forward it all of your contacts.

URGENT: Gianfranco and Mariana Trotta will be deported to Venezuela on January 31 unless we take action immediately!

To help us stop the deportations of Gianfranco and Mariana, please sign the petition to your right and make a phone call!

TAKE ACTION – MAKE A CALL:

Call ICE – John Morton @ 202.732.3000

Sample Script: “Hello I am calling to ask that Gianfranco Trotta (A# 087-573-033) and Mariana Trotta (A# 087-573-034) be allowed to stay in the U.S. They have been living here for over 10 years. Mariana is junior in high school and Gianfranco wishes to attend college. Don’t deport DREAM Act eligible youth Gianfranco and Mariana.”

PLEASE SHARE THIS PETITION AND ACTION ALERT WITH YOUR FRIENDS!

Image via Wikipedia

* Full PDF version of the 2005 Southwest Ranches Resolution that states the town’s consideration for allowin CCA to buil a detention facility can be found here:

Cross-posted from Dream Activist Florida

They are building an immigration detention facility where?

Southwest Ranches, Florida. The small town (not a city) is located just bellow the City of Weston, deep within the boundaries of Broward County, Florida. If you were to drive across the area you would probably miss it, because in Broward county cities run from east to west, think of layers on a cake, which makes it easy to get from City A to City B and cross cities/towns C, D, F and E in the process.

So whats the big deal here? Well, since 2005 the Town of Southwest Ranches has kept a dirty little secret when it passed a resolution where it states its consideration for building an immigrant detention center, the largest in the nation for that matter. Built by the Corrections Corporation of America, the facility is expected to have 1,800 beds for inmates and would be built close to US 27 here in Florida. The resolution states that the town would receive a 3-4% compensation should they allow the construction of the facility.

Fast-forward to 2011 and now we have reports of ICE and CCA pushing for the construction of this detention facility. And why wouldnt they? Last year’s census revealed that Broward County currently holds a quarter of its population to be hispanic, and almost half of it to be minorities making racial profiling a breeze for already existing ICE officers across the county, not to mention that Broward county loves its 287g agreements. Oh, and let’s not forget all of the deaths that CCA has had on its hand at some of their facilities.

Just today, August 4th 2011, there was talk that  CCA detention center subject resurfacing at a town hall meeting at SouthWest Ranches. However, once a crowd of over a hundred people overflowed the room and the meeting began the chair was quickly to point out that the subject was not on the agenda and would not be discussed at the meeting at all. Moreover, the chair mentioned that the recent efforts to draw attention to the subject were incorrect as the disucsison about the detention center was not scheduled to take place today to begin with. Residents of the town were allowed to make comments at the end of the meeting which went on for a couple of hours, however, the conversation ended there.

Residents of Southwest Ranches and Weston reported receiving “robo-calls” from an unidentified organization warning them about the detention center being discussed at today’s meeting.Many residents expressed that they had no idea about this detention center and feared that its construction would drive down the value of their homes as well as a possible increase in the crime rite across the town.

For now the discussion about the detention center is tabled, with no clear signs as to when it will resurface. DreamActivist Florida will keep a close watch on the discussion as it develops.

Young leaders from the United We Dream Network, The Trail of Dreams, and the Dream Is Coming released the following statement in response to news about tragic suicides among LGBTQ and undocumented youth:

“We are saddened by the recent news highlighting LGBTQ and undocumented young people driven to suicide, and we express our condolences to all affected by this terrible tragedy.”

“Immigrant youth for many years have faced the painful reality of rejection. Many have thought of committing suicide, dealt with anxiety, depression, and other mental health problems. We understand that in the midst of pain many other marginalized youth such as youth that identify as LGBTQ have faced similar struggles. Many of us face a reality of being both queer and undocumented. Because of this shared experience, we stand in solidarity with every person who has thought about taking their own life as a result of hopelessness.”

“Every life is precious to our movement and we will continue fighting so all of us can find a safe place where our diversity is celebrated instead of persecuted. We are also firmly committed to continue creating safe spaces for youth that identify as LGBTQ in our meetings and conferences. We will continue encouraging dialogue that will lead to our liberation without leaving anyone behind. It is our duty to fight for one another!”

“Our hearts are heavy, but our heads held high, because we see a future of solidarity between our movements. If this message reaches you in a critical moment remember: you’re not alone! We know how hard it is to be pushed aside but stay strong because we need every single one of you. This world is more colorful because of every shade that every individual brings. You are not less worthy than anyone else. Your life is important to us. Don’t give up!”

Resources:

http://ellen.warnerbros.com/2010/10/resources_to_help_stop_bullying_0930.php

http://aliforneycenter.org/resources.html

http://www.nrscrisisline.org/youth_teens/youth_teens.html

http://www.thetrevorproject.org/

About Us:
As a national immigrant youth-led organization, the mission of the United We Dream Network is to achieve equal access to higher education for all people, regardless of immigration status. We aim to address the inequities and obstacles faced by immigrant youth and to develop a sustainable, grassroots movement, led by immigrant youth, documented and undocumented, and children of immigrants. Please visit http://www.unitedwedream.org
The Dream Is Coming is a group of undocumented youth who have worked for years on a path to legalization. We are at a point in our movement where radical action has become necessary for ourselves and our communities. Through civil disobedience, we are demanding that Congress and President Obama pass the DREAM Act immediately. This action is a catalyst for the escalation of the immigrants rights movement. Please visit www.thedreamiscoming.com.
The Trail of Dreams was a walk by four students from Florida – Felipe Matos, Gaby Pacheco, Carlos Roa, and Juan Rodriguez – who left Miami on January 1, 2010 to embark on a 1500-mile journey to our nation’s capitol. Please visit http://www.trail2010.org.

It’s crunch time!

We need all our collective efforts to make the Dream Act become a reality this year!

Are you itching to do something for the Dream Act? Do you want to connect with others?

Find your state below to get active on the Dream Act now!

Are you planning an action in your state and its not listed below?

Contact Flavia at flavia@dreamactivist.org

ARIZONA

What? DREAM Army Rally

Who? AZ Dream Act Coalition

When? September 17 at 1pm-September 21st at 7pm (each day)

Where? McCains Office at 16thst & Missouri

More info here.

What? All-day phone banking

When? 12pm – 9pm each day (through 9/21)

Where? 1554 West Van Buren, Phoenix, AZ 85007

More info here.

ARKANSAS

What? Dream Act Rally (in solidarity with DADT advocates)

Who? Natural Dreamers

When? 5PM

Where? University of Arkansas at Fayetteville at 1 University of Arkansas, Fayetteville AR 72701

What? DREAM University then a march to the church for a vigil

Where? Bentonville, AR – Bentonville Square

When? Monday, September 20th, from 5 – 7 pm

More info? zeslgar@gmail.com

What? Daily actions & vigils

Where? Little Rock, AR – Outside of Senator Pryor’s office

When? Monday September 20th – Thursday September 23rd

More info? jmendez@uark.edu

CALIFORNIA

What? Dream Act Vigil

When? Monday September 20th, 2010, 6-8pm

Where? La Placita Olvera Church, 535 North Main Street, Los Angeles, CA

What? Press conference

When? Tuesday September 21st, 2010

Where? South Lawn Los Angeles City Hall, 200 N. Spring St. Los Angeles, CA 90012

What? Dream Act Press Conference/Rally

When? Wednesday September 22, 2010

Where? 429 Bauchet St. Los Angeles, 90012 -March to City Hall

What: News conference and rally to urge Senator Dianne Feinstein to make a public statement
in support of federal immigration legislation, the DREAM Act. Rally will occur minutes before
a vital Senate vote in Washington D.C. that could determine the future of thousands of Bay Area
undocumented youth.
When: 11:00 A.M., Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Where: Senator Feinstein’s Office, One Post St., San Francisco (at the corner of Market St)
Who: Confirmed speakers are SF Supervisor John Avalos, USF Professor Bill Ong Hing,
Jefferson High School teacher Tony Press, and four undocumented Bay Area students; more
speakers to be announced.

COLORADO

What? DREAM Press Conference

Where? North High School (2960 N Speer Blvd, Denver, CO 80211

When? 4pm, Monday September 20th

More info? julieta@padresunidos.org

DELAWARE

What? Dream Act Candlelight Vigil

Who? Delaware Dream Team

When? September 21st from 4:30pm-11:00pm

Where? In Wilmington,DE starting at 4th st and Union

More info here.

FLORIDA

What? Daily vigils outside of Sen. Lemieux’s office

Where? Sen. LeMieux Miami Office, 8669 NW 36th St., Suite 110, Miami, FL

When? 09/20/10-09/24/10 3pm-8pm

More Info? Call Gaby Mejia 786-873-5820

What? Press conference for DREAM

When? Monday, September 20th, 11:00 am

Where? Miami-Dade College Wolfson Campus 300 NE 2 Ave. Miami, FL 33132-2296

More info? Call Gaby Mejia 786-873-5820

WHAT: FLASH MOB in front of Sen. LeMieux’s office to urge his vote in favor of the DREAM
Act.

WHEN: Monday, September 20th, 2010 at 4:45pm

WHERE: Office of Sen. LeMieux in Orlando
201 S. Orange Ave., Suite 350
Orlando, FL 32801

WHO: Students Working for Equal Rights, Florida Immigrant Coalition and Allies from the Social
Justice Movement

ILLINOIS

Monday September 20, 2010.
Action/Vigil

• 4:00 press conference at recruitment office. 230 s Dearborn. Then going over to the
republican headquarters to say “Republicans stop blocking the DREAM Act”

Week-long vigil until they pass the DREAM Act in-front of the Republican
offices downtown. “Let me serve my country” – begins Monday afternoon.

Call In Actions:

6:30pm- Call to Action Community Forum

P.A.S.O- West Suburban Action Project

St. Charles Borromeo Parish- 1637 N. 37th Ave., Melrose Park

Contact: Yesenia Sanchez, P.A.S.O.- West Suburban Action Project 708-612-2029

Calling Party- TRP (The Resurrection Project)

5 – 7:30 pm (come when you can)

Our Lady of Tepeyac, 2226 S Whipple St. Chicago

Contact: Ere Rendon- 815-715-1577

APNC (Albany Park Neighborhood Council) – Location/ Time TBD

Contact- Pati Islas 773-444-8650

Day 4- TUESDAY

Tuesday Sep 21st

Unity press Conference

Rally on Education Happening at 4pm at CPS

Day 5 Wednesday sep 22

“I too am America” Rally

3 pm 430 S. Michigan at Roosevelt University Pavilion.

DAY 5 & 6- To be Determined based on Tuesday’s vote

More Info? Tania Unzueta at ilehlainat@gmail.com

KANSAS

Senator Brownback’s Overland Park Office, Tuesday at 12:30, the Kansas Missouri Dream Alliance will be delivering petitions, making phone calls, and more.

KENTUCKY

What? Organizing for the Dream Act!

Where? All over Kentucky (woo!)

When? Tuesday, September 21st: International Day of Peace Festival

More Info? Erin Howard at puravida.erin@gmail.com

What? Wear your cap and gown to class!

Where? Lexington, KY

When? Each day till the DREAM Act passes

More info? psantiagomartinez@gmail.com

MASSACHUSETTS

What? Student Immigrant Movement Press Conference

When? 12:00PM Monday, September 20th, 2010

Where? Main Steps of the Massachusetts State House, Boston, MA

More info? lily.yimche.huang@gmail.com

MINNESOTA

What? Dream Act Vigil

When? Tuesday, September 21st 12-2 pm

Where? Washington Walking Bridge – U of M

Who? Minnesota Students For Equal Rights

NEW YORK

What? Rally and March for the Dream Act

When? September 21st

Who? NYSYLC and other Students, Parents, Teachers, Professors+You

Where? Meet at NYC public library (40th and 6th) at 12, march to Schumer’s at 1; press conf at 1:30

More Info? Contact Martin Lopez at Martin@nysylc.org

What? Vigil for the DREAM Act

When? Wednesday, September 22nd, 6 – 8 pm

Where? Union Square Park: East 14th St and Broadway

More info? cbaal@thenyic.org

NORTH CAROLINA

What? Mock Graduation

Who? NC Dream Team

Where? Sen Kay Hagan’s office, 10 New Bern Avenue Raleigh, NC 27601

When? September 20, 1 pm

More Info? wooten.gough@gmail.com

OHIO

What? Vigil for the DREAM Act

Where? Gambier, OH - 201 W. Brooklyn Avenue, Gambier, OH 43022

When? September 21, 2010, 5:30PM-7:00PM

More info? saavedram@kenyon.edu

PENNSYLVANIA

What? Pizza party to call key Senators to ask them to support the DREAM Act.

When? 5:30 p.m., Monday, September 20, 2010

Where? Nationalities Service Center front classrooms – 1216 Arch Street, 4th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19107

Who? NSC staff, family, and friends – and anyone who supports positive immigration reform!
Oh and PIZZA!

RHODE ISLAND

What? Dream Act Rally!
Who? Brown Immigrant Rights Coalition
When? Monday, 12 pm Noon
Where? Brown University Main Green (Providence, RI)

TENNESSEE

What? Stand Up, Stay Up for the DREAM! (all night vigils)

When? Tuesday, September 21st, 6pm and on…

Where? Sarratt 112, Vanderbilt University, Nashville

More Info? Amelia Post at amelia@tnimmigrant.org

TEXAS

Central Texas

Facebook Link

What? VIGIL from 4-8:30pm at Senator Hutchison’s Office, Monday
Where? 300 E. 8th St. Between Trinity and San Jacinto.
Austin, TX

What? Day of Action for the DREAM Act

Where? The University Of Texas-Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison’s office on 8th Street.
300 E. 8th St. Between Trinity and San Jacinto.
Austin, TX

When? Tuesday
09:00: UT Students to join UT Alumni and Allies at West Campus (in front of the Student Union)

A Press Conference/Media will be held to kick off our march to Sen. Hutchison’s office

10:05: We start walking to Hutchison’s office (300 East 8th Street, Austin, TX 78701 @ San Jacinto) where we will hold a Vigil for the NATIONAL DAY of Our DREAMs at Hutchison’s Office.

13:00: Senate Vote in Washington D.C. for Defense Authorization Bill and to Add DREAM Act as an amendment.

More info? Contact uli.utaustin@gmail.com

North Texas

DREAM Vigil planned for tonight 09/20 at 9pm at the Cathedral de Guadalupe on 2215 Ross Avenue, Dallas

Facebook Event Link

UTAH

What? Undocumented youth, educators, community and religious leaders will hold a
press conference in front of Senators Hatch and Bennett’s office in the Federal
Building and encourage them to approve the DREAM Act (S.729). The DREAM
Act will make the dreams of thousands of Utah’s youth a reality while at the same
time allowing them to contribute to Utah and the nation’s economy and society.

When? Monday, September 20, 2010, 10:00 a.m.

Where? 125 South State Street Salt Lake City, UT 84138

Who? Salt Lake City DREAM Team – an autonomous group of students and community
members working toward the empowerment of American immigrant youth and
the passage of the DREAM Act.

More Info? Alma Castrejon acmirell@gmail.com

Schedule of Events:
10:00AM – Press Conference

11:30AM – DREAMers Testimonials

1:00 PM – Teach –In

5:00 PM – 11:00 PM Vigil

VIRGINIA

What? Daily vigil until DREAM act goes to vote

When? Monday September 20th , 6:30pm-7:30pm

Where? Court Square, Harrisonburg, VA

More info? Isa@dreamactivist.org for more info

What? Vigil at Senator Webb’s Office

When? Tuesday, September 20th, 12pm – 4pm

Where? Senator Webb’s Northern Virginia Office, 7309 Arlington Boulevard, Falls Church, Virginia

More info? Call Meghan McNamara to RSVP: 847-922-1213

WISCONSIN

What? Dream Act Actions from 09/16 to 09/23

Who? Voces de la Frontera

Where? Milwaukee, Wisconsin – Meeting on the corner of 16th and Pierce at 4:00pm

When? March/picket everyday from 4:00pm to 7:00pm

More Info? Maricela Aguilar at aguilar.maricela@live.com

What? Phone Bank

Where? Spanish Center Of Kenosha

Check out the 32 organizations that have signed onto Ivan’s letter urging DHS to rec0nsider his deportation:

From Edgar in Miami.

I am sharing news of the DREAM Act 5 with everybody in Miami! I have a son, who on May 19th will be 25, and he is in the same situation as these students.

He finished high school, went to college, got excellent grades, and his dream is to study medicine and become a doctor.  He was held back because the university requires at least residency, and unfortunately he doesn’t have that.  He was extremely frustrated, especially because he is a great student and was denied his dream.

So, for two years, he was extremely frustrated, but thanks to God we found out about a university called Ave Maria University, and gave him a chance to study even though he has no documentation.

He just began studying there, but still, we continue fighting to pass this beautiful project, the DREAM Act.  Once again, thank you so much for everything you are doing for all immigrants everywhere.

Long version in Spanish-

Llegamos a los Estados Unidos desde Venezuela el 27 de Diciembre de 1999, con una mochila de ilusiones, mi esposa y mis 2 hijos varones ellos con 7 y 14 anos de edad respectivamente y yo, Nos vinimos buscando un mundo mejor para vivir y asegurarle un futuro a nuestros hijos sobre todo por la educacion y la seguridad. No fue nada facil dejar nuestras familias y amistades pero emprendimos con fe y creencia de que lo que estabamos haciendo era lo mejor para todos. Cuando llegamos mis hijos inmediatamente comenzaron a estudiar , que alegria y orgullo cuando en pocos meses ya hablaban Ingles y ambos se destaban en sus respectivas escuelas. Conseguimos trabajo mi esposa y yo, en ese entonces a finales del 2000 se proclama una Ley de Immigrantes la 245i (periodo de Clinton) la cual acobijaba de diferentes maneras y situaciones aquellos que estaban ilegalmente en este pais y en la cual mi esposa califico por peticion de trabajo, todo iba bien hasta que pasa lo de las torres en Septiembre 2001 y alli todo el proceso de esta ley se atrasa tanto, tanto que nuestro hijo el cual tenia 15 al someter la solicitud terminamos recibiendo en el 2007 dicho permiso laboral , mi esposa mi hijo menor y yo y cuando estabamos en el proceso de introducir a immigracion los documentos nos enteramos que mi hijo mayor que ya habia cumplido la mayoria de edad o sea 21 anos, no calificaba para incluirlo y se nos queda fuera de estatus hasta el dia de hoy.

Mis dos hijos han sido buenos muchachos, con buenas costumbres, responsables, buenos estudiantes con excelentes calificaciones los dos obtuvieron el previlegio de estar en el Silver Night este es un reconocimiento auspiciado por The Miami Herald y American Airlines que se le otorga a los mejores estudiantes de las escuelas del condado y ellos reperesentaron a todos los estudiantes de su escuela amobos con un GPA en el estado de la Florida de 4.2 y nacional 3.9. Nuestro hijo mayor siempre en sus anos de studio pertenecio a diferentes clubs y organizaciones para fomentar el interes por sus companeros y la comunidad, trabajo muy duro para obtener la excelencia en la escuela, antes de que terminase la secundaria aplico a muchas becas y obtuvo el “Bright Future” y otras mas pero despues vino la decepcion no podia disfrutar de ningun previlegio que cualquier “residente” o “ciudadano” puede hacer uso y perdio parte de su esfuerzo. Fue muy frustante porque nosotros no teniamos los recursos para ayudarle, el queria continuar estudiando y su pasion era y es estudiar medicina. Logramos que entrera al Miami Dade College que gracias a dios esta institucion no te califica por tu estatus migratorio sino por las ganas que tienes de estudiar y con sacrificio logra entrar pagandole nosotros la matricula como estudiante internacional . Estuvimos tratando de resolver la situacion de cualquier forma pero era imposible conseguir ayuda financiera para el. Logra graduarse y sacar el associated degree en Physician assistance, pero el college le dice esta carrera es de 4 anos y ahora tu no puedes continuar por los siguientes 2 anos para sacar el grado porque tu no tienes estatus y te van a chequear el background…….para toda la familia fue un dia de mucha pena sobre todo para mi hijo. Se estanca mas o menos unos 2 anos mas esperando una luz o una reforma algo!!!!que nunca llego. Siempre tratando de levantarle el animo le deciamos tu situacion pronto se arreglara…y a todas estas siempre diciendole anda con cuidado……con cuidado….ten fe….y el nos responde siempre dicen ten fe hasta cuando dice ….no puedo hacer esto o aquello porque tengo documentos…no puedes trabajar…ten cuidado…etc. y lo veo como algo absurdo ya que la educacion es al igual que la vida es un dercho universal

Mi hijo ya con 25 anos de edad el ano pasado cuando precisamente el estaba deprimido e inconsolable viendo que se le pasaba los anos y todo seguia igual, se le aparece a mi esposa un angel de dios, esta persona era una joven con una franela de Ave Maria University (Universidad catolica) y comienza a conversar y caen en el punto de la situacion de nuestros hijos le comenta que ella estaba en la misma situacion y estaba estudiando alli y con una beca que aunque no pagaba todo era la mitad de la matricula. Le hicimos la vuelta y cuando aplico mi hijo le dieron la beca y nosostros con mucho sacrificio ya que yo me quede sin trabajo tambien perdimos nuestra casa y lo que tengo ahora es un trabajo a medio tiempo lo estamos ayudando a mantenerse alli. No ha logrado que ninguna institucion le ayude economicamente, sigue aplicando a las becas pero nada ya que es dificil mantenerlo ya viene su 2do semestre alli y ni siquiera sabemos si lo podremos mantener. Es una gran impotencia lo que se siente.

La situacion es desesperante porque nuestro 2do hijo graduado de la secundaria hace 2 anos aunque tiene el permiso de trabajo y el ss# y se ha Ganado numerosa becas no las puede disfrutar por no tener la residencia (estamos esprandola y por supuesto no llega todavia) a perdido igual que mi hijo su derecho a estudiar el tambien aplico a Ave Maria University junto con su hermano en ese entonces le otorgaron la beca tambien pero no podemos mantenerlos a los dos pagandole la matricula asi que tuvimos que sacrificar a uno de los dos. Mi Segundo hijo se encuentra en el Miami Dade College asistiendo a una o dos clases solamente pagadas con su trabajo. Lamentablemente se repite la historia!!! Y este quiere estudiar ecologia y pertenece al club ( SWFER ) STUDENT WORKING FOR EQUAL RIGTH ) del MIAMI DADE COLLEGE y ha estado muy involucrado en las marchas a WASINGTON DC, cabe destacar que de aca fue que salieron los cuatro estudiantes en su caminata del sueno de 1.500 millas hasata la CASA BLANCA.

Que lamentable y que impotencia es cuando nosotros los padres debemos impulsar a que nuestros hijos a que estudien y forjen un buen futuro y un dia tenerles que decir lo sentimos pero no puedes seguir estudiando por que el sistema no te lo permite. Teniendo ellos las garras para estudiar y a ayudar a esta gran nacion con su empuje.

Mis hijos ya se sienten desde hace mucho tiempo igual que nosotros que este es nuestra segunda casa. Practicamente su vida de adolecente que es la mas remarcable en esta edad la han vivido en este pais, ya nos hemos acostumbrado, respetamos su leyes y algun dia nuestra illusion es ser ciudadanos de este hermoso pais que aunque hemos tenido nuestros altibajos como muchos lo hemos aprendido amar, querer y respetar.

Estamos apoyando cualquier reforma o ley que ayude a la comunidad a conseguir el respeto de todos los demas ciudadanos de este pais porque somos humanos e iguales antes dios, y no deberia de haber desigualdades , donde come uno comen dos y asiiii. Hay amor y comprension para todos y debemos esperar que dios nos cobije y ampare para resolver esta situacion.

Gracias por su ayuda y estaremos con ustedes para respaldar y sacar a nuestro muchachos adelante y se hagan profesionales y puedan forjar un futuro mas seguro “estudiando y preparandose para el manana”. GRACIAS por todo lo que estan haciendo en pro de todos los emigrantes y mas de estos futuros profesionales de los Estados Unidos de America.

Atentamente,

EDGAR CASTRO Y FAMILIA

A couple days ago we caught up with Rep. Smith from Texas who wrote a piece on the Dream Act, depicting it as the “nightmare” that would plague the American people.

The blog post, hosted by The Hill, went on to attack the Dream Act and what is stands for; right after a great opinion piece by Senator Richard Durbin himself. From misinformation to misguided claims, Representative Smith made every false claim and assumption in an attempt to smear the Dream Act. This attempt fell on deaf ears; however, as activists and supporters know the real truth about the legislation and are seeking a response from other congressmen!

As Prerna depicts on her post over at Change.org, Representative Smith has a poor record when it comes to stand up for any student interests, and his lies serve to reflect the only truth that he has for the American public: when in doubt, make up your own falsehood about proposed legislation and post it online!

Let Representative Smith know that we know the truth about the DREAM Act, by asking a member of HIS OWN party to respond!

SIGN THE PETITION NOW!

Representative Diaz-Balart will you stand up for students and the Dream Act by responding to Representative Smith?

The Trail of Dreams is on its way to Washington, DC. Juan, Carlos, Gaby, and Felipe left Miami’s Freedom Tower yesterday and are currently walking past Hollywood and nearing Dania Beach. According to walker Juan, the team skipped over the county line together when they crossed from Miami-Dade County to Broward County.

The New York Times and Associated both covered the kickoff, with a special emphasis on the bravery and sacrifice of these uncommon college kids. From the AP article, which came out in newspapers like the Washington Post and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution:

The group set out Friday to begin a 1,500 mile journey they are calling the “Trail of Dreams,” from Miami’s historic Freedom Tower to Washington, D.C. The goal is to raise support for legislation that would include a path to citizenship for eligible illegal immigrants.

The four, all immigrants themselves, plan to walk the entire distance, no matter the weather. They expect students and other supporters to join them along the way and plan to arrive in the capital May 1, which has become a day of immigrant rights rallies in recent years.

All are top students at local colleges and campus leaders. Some are now here legally, some are not. All say they are willing to take the risks that come with bringing attention to the plight of students who, like themselves, were brought to the U.S. as children and are now here illegally.

Juan, one of the walkers, has the first blog up on the official site, reminiscing on what was going through his mind when he decided to start walking:

“I’m leaving,” I told Felipe. “I can’t keep waiting for them to give me an answer, hoping that maybe SOMEDAY, someone will actually listen to my question. I can’t just stay here in my daily cycles acting like this way of life is manageable or bearable. It isn’t. It can NEVER be bearable to lose the people that we love. It can NEVER be bearable to wake up each morning and know that people in our communites have disappeared -taken in the darkness of the night by those that claim to be keeping our communities ‘secure’.”

Support from all parts of the country – as well as similarly creative initiatives –  will be needed from all corners of the country in order to create the momentum for the type of immigration reform that young leaders and their families need. From the West Coast, Northern California student activist Ju Hong wrote with excitement about the hope the walkers bring to all dreamers. :

So then, my question is, will you sacrifice with them? I believe through sacrifice is the only way to make our dreams into reality. Imagine how difficult for them to make a decision to sacrifice their education, their time, and their own body. They are completely exposing and risking themselves just to represent on behalf of 12 million immigrant’s dreams. Despite of all the odds and challenges, they are willing to fight for the dreams that will determine our future. Through this movement, I can clearly see the sense of urgency. They cannot wait, I cannot wait, and we as DREAMers cannot wait for another decades to fix the broken immigration reform. We cannot wait and time is now! I can see it, I can see it. So let’s make these student’s dreams into reality.

And for those who are wondering how the walkers deal with the ever-present fear of immigration enforcement, Felipe has a coping tip that should inspire fellow dreamers. From the New York Times:

“We are aware of the risk,” Mr. Matos said by telephone. “We are risking our future because our present is unbearable.”

UPDATE: Here is a media round-up that the Trail of DREAMS has received:

TAMPA BAY- Immigration Reform march begins! http://bit.ly/4nqamB

NYT- Advocates of Immigration Overhaul Alter Tactics in New Push http://bit.ly/8tSJ9B

CANADIAN PRESS Students start walk from Miami to DC to push for changes in immigration law http://bit.ly/8DFpWa

Miami Herald- Undocumented children pin hopes on revival of Dream Act http://bit.ly/4uwcJL

AP- 20 Youth trek from Miami to DC for immigrant rights http://bit.ly/4vNtA4

Imagine 2050- Students walk from Florida to DC for immigrant rights http://bit.ly/7b5toR