Our movement is not just about changing laws. It’s about changing hearts and minds.
–Deivid Ribiero.

Young people have helped shape all of the major struggles for social justice of the modern era. As in the past, young people are starting to figure more prominently in recent efforts to reform immigration and increase access to higher education.

The Student Immigrant Movement (SIM) and the Herman and Frieda Miller Foundation hosted a funder briefing to highlight SIM’s campaign to promote equal access to higher education for immigrant students in Massachusetts and support effective immigration policies in the U.S.

Founded in 2005, the Boston-based organization develops young leaders that guide the organization, its campaigns, and a lead its growing network of chapters throughout the state. It is part of a national network of student organizations addressing immigrant concerns.

Lead organizers from the various chapters told vivid stories of the barriers they have faced in going on to college. They spoke of their struggles, the sacrifices of their families, and of a fierce commitment to help pass legislation that would allow them to pay the same-in-state tuition rates as their peers.

“It didn’t hit me until my junior year in high school when all of my friends were talking about college that all of the doors open to them would start to close on me”, said Daniela.

SIM members also touched on the importance of Federal legislation that would allow undocumented young people who were brought here as children but raised in the US could be eligible for a conditional path to citizenship in exchange for completion of a college degree.

The presentation highlighted the upcoming statewide leadership training for students in Massachusetts. Similar trainings have energized youth efforts in seven states and are rooted in the community organizing methodology embraced and developed by the Obama campaign.

Members were enthusiastic about the unusual emphasis SIM puts in developing its leaders.

“Through SIM I learned about fundraising, telling my story, how to talk to congressmen, and how not to be afraid”, Said Isabel. “We are not going to give up!”

Speakers:
Andres
Chris
Daniela
Deivid
Isabel
Renata

For more information:

The Dream Act
Dream Activist
National Immigration Forum
Reform Immigration for America