United We Dream is a nonprofit immigrant advocacy organization with chapters operating in 28 U.S. states. The organization is an "immigrant-youth-led network" of 400,000 members in 100 local groups. The group was involved in advocacy surrounding the passing of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) bill.[1][2] They harvest names and phone numbers from voter registration databases, without referencing the National Do Not Call Registry, in order to send bulk unsolicited text messages via VOIP messaging services. [citation needed]
| Formation | 2010 |
|---|---|
| Type | Advocacy, lobbying group |
| Purpose | Immigrant rights |
| Headquarters | Washington D.C. |
| Staff | 74 |
| Website | unitedwedream.org |
History
editIn 2008 Cesar Vargas, a Mexican-born undocumented immigrant and law school student began building a loose network of young immigrants. He was concerned that his status would affect his ability to complete law school and sought others in similar situations. In 2010, the network gained visibility with public demonstrations, including a four-month hike to Washington D.C. to lobby for the DREAM Act, and a student sit-in in Arizona in the offices of then Senator John McCain.[3][4]
In late 2010, following the failure of the passing of the DREAM Act bill in the US Congress. the group splintered into three groups, each utilizing different advocacy tactics, but sharing the "dream" branding: United We Dream, DreamActivist, and Dream Action Coalition, with United We Dream becoming the largest.[3]
In 2021, Google awarded around to United We Dream $250,000 to help pay DACA application fees.[5]
DACA
editDuring Barack Obama's presidency, the organization lobbied to protect immigrant children brought to the U.S. In 2012, the Obama administration created the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) bill. The bill allowed youth immigrants to get driver's licenses, work permits, and attend college. In 2017, Cristina Jiménez Moreta, one of the co-founders of the organization, was awarded a MacArthur Fellowship for her advocacy surrounding the DACA bill.[1]
References
edit- ^ a b Carroll, Nicole. "Cristina Jiménez Moreta helped get DACA, now she helps young immigrants find their voice". USA Today Life. USA Today. Retrieved 14 October 2021.
- ^ Summers, Juana. "Youth Activists Are Heard In Biden's White House, But They Want To See More Action". NPR. NPR. Retrieved 14 October 2021.
- ^ a b Preston, Julia. "How the Dreamers Learned to Play Politics". Politico Magazine. Politico. Retrieved 14 October 2021.
- ^ Preston, Julia. "Students Spell Out Messages on Immigration". The New York Times. The New York Times. Retrieved 14 October 2021.
- ^ Thompson, Shayne Rodriguez. "Google Gave $250K to United We Dream to Help Pay for 500 DACA Applications". Hip Latina. Hip Latina. Retrieved 14 October 2021.