08 Feb Bienestar advocates for Dreamers

Where is Dreamers of Oregon: Out of the Shadows right now? Taking a brief break before we start traveling again. 

For many young people, DACA was a way to achieve the American dream – to go to college, get a good job, start a business, and support a family. Now the program – and about 800,000 young people – are in jeopardy. More than 1,000 Dreamers live in Washington County alone.

“Back to square one. On September 2017, Trump decided to end DACA and with that hundreds of thousands of dreams. I remember feeling betrayed, hopeless, and distraught.”

–Gustavo, Dreamer

We wish to raise up the young people who have made a difference in our community and celebrate their strength and bravery at a time when much of the country seems to be turning its back. Here at Bienestar, talented photographer Holly Andres has taken portraits of five outstanding DACA recipients, often called Dreamers. She’s collaborating with other Portland artists to turn those stunning photographs into an advocacy campaign called Dreamers of Oregon: Out of the Shadows. This campaign will include a traveling exhibit that will be displayed around Washington County.

Another part of that campaign will play out on our Facebook Page, and you can participate by sharing the stories we post, and showing the world just what a Dreamer looks like.

A gathering at at PNCA with the help of a few talented artists — Holly Andres, Nelda Reyes, and Victor Maldonado — as well as some Bienestar staff and five DACA recipients and their families for a photo shoot to kick off Name of Project.

What’s happening with DACA and the Dream Act right now?

(Current as of 6/4/18)

Renewal applications ARE being accepted.

New applications are NOT YET being accepted.

Need help paying for DACA renewal? Here are some resources from United We Dream.

Get involved to protect Dreamers

(Current as of 6/4/18)

As an empowered Latina woman, mom, wife, and DACA student, my life must be limitless. I cannot accept the limits that are being imposed on me and thousands of other DACAmented peers. We must all stick together, advocate for and uphold what is right. -Brianda, Dreamer

We all need to work together to advocate for the Dreamers who enrich our community. Here are a few suggestions for what you can do to join the fight.

• Donate to Oregon DACA Coalition as they fight for a clean Dream Act.
• Donate to Bienestar and help support Dreamers of Oregon: Out of the Shadows and other direct aid for Dreamers.
• Sign up for our mailing list to ensure you never miss an update on Dreamers of Oregon: Out of the Shadows.
• Share our social media posts and help spread awareness about Dreamers of Oregon: Out of the Shadows and the importance of passing a clean Dream Act.
• Bienestar Board Member Olivia Alcaire is the only woman and the only Latina on the Hillsboro City Council. Show up at a City Council Meeting and support her. Stand up and give a public comment thanking the City Council for making Hillsboro a Sanctuary City. (First and third Tuesdays of the month at 7pm)
• Take part in the IMIrJ (Interfaith Movement for Immigrant Justice) monthly vigil at the Washington County Courthouse.
• Indivisible Hillsboro organizes a weekly march at the Washington County Courthouse to protest ICE activity in a sensitive, protected space. Meet up with them Mondays at 9 am in front of the Courthouse (look for the woman with all the signs.) There are no protests on holidays like President’s Day when the courthouse is closed.
• Call your representatives (you can look them up here) and tell them you support the passage of a clean Dream Act, with no provisions for a border wall. 
• Talk to your friends and neighbors about immigrant rights (You can find some educational resources here)
• Support the Dreamers in your life, and leave a supportive message for the Dreamers at Bienestar. 
• Vote!

Immigration Resources for immigrants and supporters

Many thanks to our sponsors

Harbourton Foundation

Point West Credit Union

MRG Foundation

Rafael Cake Sherwood Trust

Metro Regional Government 

And thanks to our partners

Holly Andres

Pacific University

Pacific Northwest College of Art

Adam Garcia 

Hacienda