Activists Lobby for NY DREAM Act
By Percy Lujan
At about 7 a.m. on March 5, a group of about 200 activists, among them students, teachers, and community organizers, gathered in Union Square to board buses to go Albany to lobby for the New York State DREAM Act.
The New York State DREAM Act, known also as NYDA, will grant access to the tuition assistance program (TAP) to undocumented immigrants who graduate from high schools in the state of New York.
After about two hours of travel, activists arrive in Albany at about 10 a.m.
This was the second year NYDA supporters went to Albany to advocate for the bill. During the three-hour bus ride, organizers gave participants sheets of paper with the talking points. They also emphasized the importance of sharing individual stories about how the bill would improve participants’ lives.
Students inside the church for the press conference.
Upon arriving in Albany, the supporters gathered in a local Catholic church for a press conference with state politicians who support the bill. Among them are Assemblyman Francisco Moya from Queens and Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver.
Assembly member Francisco Moya speaking in support of the bill. He is a co-sponsor in the Assembly.
Silver is co-sponsoring the bill after ignoring the request to put the bill up for a vote in the Assembly on 2012.
Supporters of the NYDA getting coffee.
Shirts in support of the bill and in support of undocumented students were being sold for $20 to fund the organizations.
The DREAM Act movement has generated some paraphernalia. Shirts with the motto “Undocumented Unafraid Unapologetic” are often worn by activists associated with the movement.
Andy Pallotta, executive vice-president of NYSUT, speaks in support of the bill. Activist from the YLC stand to the side.
This particular event was organized by Manhattan-based group New York State Youth Leadership Council (NYSYLC or YLC, for short). Members from other organizations such as Make the Road were also present.
The organizations that advocate for NYDA have joined efforts in the NYS DREAM Act Coalition. Despite their common goal, the coalition encompasses organizations with diverse political ideologies.
Students speak with a secretary for Queens Assemblyman Michael Miller.
The activists arrived during a time when most of the legislators were on the floor. Secretaries received them and took notes. They also confirmed whether the legislator was sponsoring the bill.
Activists at the end of the Day of Action
Supporters included high school and college students, as well as parents and teachers. The visits to the politicians lasted from noon to about 5 p.m.
Dominique, a group leader during the legislative visits, contemplates the Albany skyline.