The following post was written by Amanda Rivera, Shine’s Fall Marketing intern. In it she describes her experience attending a DACA protest in Washington D.C. this fall.  Immigration and the effects of being undocumented is one of the issues seen in Shine Global’s Oscar-winning film Inocente.

By Amanda Rivera

On November 12th, I, alongside with LIISA (Long Island Immigrant Student Advocates) and NYIC (New York Immigration Center), took a bus to Washington DC to stand in solidarity with DACA recipients. Currently, the Supreme Court is determining whether Trump’s order to end DACA is constitutional or not. Several DACA recipients from around the country came and delivered moving speeches as to why DACA should remain in place. The rally included live performances of poetry, speeches (by Bambadjan Bamba of Black Panther & The Good Place), and Grammy winner Mannywellz. Throughout the crowds, there was an array of chants including “Here to Stay”, “Home is Here”, and “Show me what democracy looks like”. Prior to this event, I have attended one activist march in my life and that was the Women’s March in 2018 in New York City. Both causes share an intersectional space and the feeling of supporting this cause felt familiar and empowering. It was beautiful to witness people making a difference with their powerful words as well as seeing the support of DACA allies. 

Here are some of the main takeaways from my experience:

• DACA and TPS are not just a Latino Issue. While media stories about Latinx migrants are more common,  DACA and Temporary Protective Status (TPS) affect migrants around the world, including those who are from the Caribbean, Africa, South Asia, and the Middle East. 
• Immigrants are central to the culture. Many have expressed that although they are not documented on paper as “American”, they are intertwined with the fabric of American culture and it would be an enormous loss if DACA and TPS ended. One spokesperson said, “Imagine going to a class and not having your teacher there”. 
• Despite their fears about their future in America, the DACA speakers remained hopeful. Students have been resilient fighting for the protection of immigrants, even before DACA was introduced in 2012. This is due to consistent support from community, student activists, and organizations. 
• Support undocumented student’s work! This means creating safe places for undocumented folks. Connecting with other community leaders, supporting funds and scholarships, creating education networks, or even engaging with parents in order to encourage their undocumented children to pursue a higher education. 

Thank you for your time and consideration of my experience.