The premiere screening of the DREAM ACT documentary “Dream” was held on Saturday, June 11th at the Media Arts Center San Diego.
I was, admittedly, a bit skeptical of the whole situation once I caught sight of the dwelling in which the event was to be held-- a large purple square of a building, wedged aside another bright colored square which predominately sold liquor and proudly boasted the return of the infamous Four Loko in neon-green lettering.
But regardless, I pressed on.
Upon entering the building however, any doubts I may have had were instantly dispersed by the warm, welcoming ambiance provided by those hosting the event. After signing in at the door and helping myself to a sugar cookie (or two...or three) I found a seat in the audience and considered myself very lucky for doing so; by the time the projector at the front of the room was set to begin the presentation, there were several people left with no choice but to line up against the back walls of the make-shift auditorium.
Finally the lights dimmed and the videos began to play on screen-- about seven or eight played in sequence. All were created by a talented group of youths sitting among us in the audience, and each video displayed interviews conducted by these same youths on an array of people and students. Although each video was unique, all aimed for the same goal: to spread awareness of the DREAM ACT and its mission.
The DREAM (Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors) ACT is a piece of legislation intended to help the many young people, most of whom are Mexican-Americans, who’s parents brought them to the United States illegally. The majority of these “undocumented” young people are of very good moral character; they complete their public school education to the end of high school, but then find themselves halted by a barrier as they try to advance towards higher education.
The DREAM ACT is intended to tear down this barrier by granting these kids conditional, permanent residency so they can go on to college and become contributing members of society, as well as simultaneously improving their own quality of life. The act was originally introduced to the senate back in August 1, 2001 and was not voted on until December 18, 2010 where it fell a mere 6 votes short of passing-- an outcome that president Obama admitted to being disappointed with.
It is key for one to understand that these kids are innocent victims of a situation which their parents or caretakers chose to put them in. The majority of these kids who originated from Mexico do not remember living there, as most of them remained in the country for only a year or so after they were born. One must understand their frustration with our government; our society, for so incessantly trying to deport them back to a country of which they have no recollection of, no real association with, nor any real identity attached to or experience with.
These children were born and raised as Americans, geographically as well as culturally, and so naturally that is what they feel they are-- Americans; regardless of whether they’re documented or not. And as Americans, many of them do wish to go on to college and pursue the much sought after American dream, just as many others do. Even more interesting to note is the fact that not only do these youths simply finish high school, but excel in their studies by earning high grade point averages and participating in acts of community service (often times more so than many of the “legal” kids studying at these schools).
Of course, as with anything so controversial, it is important to view both sides. That being said, it is just as important to acknowledge that it is not America’s fault that the Mexican government is failing to provide sufficient job opportunities or schooling to its citizens-- so much so that they feel the need to illegally flee from their country into ours. It is not our country’s obligation to play the role of “Mother America”, nurturer and caretaker to all others, because quite frankly, we still need a good deal of help ourselves. It is also imperative to note that it had not yet been clarified how this would affect undocumented immigrants from all other countries around the world, since generally speaking, this act seems to be predominantly aimed at children of Mexican immigrants as they are the most prevalent among the undocumented youths.
Regardless, it may be wise to consider that perhaps instead of expending time, energy, and precious funds to try to deport these youth, we should instead invest in them; in their education-- so they can contribute to our society rather than become a detriment to it. To think that we can deport them all back to their original countries may not be as feasible as it sounds-- and by so strongly encouraging the deportation of these youths as a societal ideal, we make them feel oppressed; outcasted.
It is at this point that they start turning to gangs and violent lives of crime for solace-- not because they are innately programmed to act in this way, but out of sheer frustration at the fact that they are essentially “stuck”. They live every day of their lives knowing that regardless of their efforts, they will not be able to advance further in this great country which is, ironically, most well-known for promising its inhabitants the opportunity to be whatever they want.
I left that purple cube of a building feeling torn. Being an American-born, college diploma-wielding daughter of two (legal, mind you) Mexican immigrants, it goes without saying that I had acquired a renowned sense of appreciation for my situation. At the same time of course, I felt deeply for those young people not as fortunate as I-- people whose only means of differentiation from myself consisted of a piece of paper and a social security number. But alas, this is a complex web of a predicament we have woven, and I will do my best in deciding what, if anything, I will do about it.
It will be up to you to form your own opinions on the subject as well of course-- but as always, and in regards to anything, it is best to be informed before doing so.
Andrea Nunez - My name is Andrea Nunez and I reside in the beautiful city of San Diego, CA. I majored in English with an emphasis on Creative Writing, ...
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