In no uncertain terms, we as immigrant youth are coming out as undocumented and we are not afraid. Our coming out actions show the true fighting spirit of an emerging immigrant youth collective. They are a public declaration that children are not to be conquered by the stigma and fear dictated by immigration status. Our fight is for an earned opportunity at the American Dream. The true end to our fears would come with the passage of the DREAM Act.
The bar has been raised by Chicago’s immigrant youth who, through their proactive actions, have led the nation in denouncing the real fear immigrant communities live with. From coast to coast, we as undocumented youth are responding to this call of action and losing the chains of fear that for too long have bounded us. Our call is a call to escalate and our time is now.
Traditionally, public proponents for immigration reform have been those who are documented-a privilege that allows for a relatively risk free stage to be vocal. These coming out initiatives are excitingly fresh because they are being led by us-undocumented youth firm in our self-worth. We are coming out strong to own our destinies and become their own best advocates.
We are becoming truly empowered and our commitment is to a renewed movement for real freedom that reiterates the founding principles of America. Chicago’s immigrant youth have dared America to come out and join them, shoulder to shoulder, in the fight for legitimacy in a county that denies our existence.
Accepting this challenge is committing to stand up for the future of this country.
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