Summer Updates - 2022
Friends of the NYSYLC,
This past Wednesday, a federal court upheld the decision to stop processing new DACA applications, leaving thousands of first-time DACA applicants without work permits and protections from deportation. As soon as this month, the courts might also decide to ban recipients from renewing their DACA.
While DACA has been a lifeline for so many immigrants, including members of our staff, we also recognize that undocumented people have always deserved more. DACA does not guarantee stability, social mobility, or economic mobility. The majority of our members — and the majority of undocumented high school youth today — have never even been eligible to apply.
We believe that all undocumented people deserve justice, humane pathways to citizenship, and the resources to thrive. During this difficult time we are supporting our members through art, healing, and community-building, while preparing for our next Undocu Academy and our first virtual Immigrant Youth Empowerment Conference.
Borderless Bowling
Want to support undocumented youth? Gather five friends or co-workers and come to our Borderless Bowling fundraiser! Order by Friday, August 19 for $50 Early Bird tickets.
WHEN: Thursday, September 29, 2022, 6 PM to 9 PM (Tournament starts at 7)
WHERE: Frames Bowling Lounge, 550 9th Ave, New York, NY (2nd floor)
Ages 21+, beginner-friendly, children are welcome with adult supervision
Start or join a team of 6, or we can add you to a team!
Early Bird sale ends 8/19!
Monthly donors can use discount code MONTHLY to purchase an at-cost ticket. Become a monthly donor today through our Borderless Baddies giving circle.
SPOTLIGHT: Undocu Academy
Over the 2021-2022 school year, our Undocu Academy supported 9 high school students with preparing for life after graduation. Students attended 150 hours of workshops on college access, professional development, and political education, received 1-on-1 assistance, and met with Undocu Mentors twice a month. They received stipends and a scholarship for completing the program.
Undocu Academy networking workshop with mentors, staff, and alumni. June 4, 2022
On June 30, we held a graduation ceremony and invited the students to speak about their experiences. Students gave us permission to share the following testimonies:
“In high school, I really just kind of felt lost. I didn't really know where to go and I didn't know what to do at times. And sometimes I almost tried to just give up and just stop and just accept the fact that I was undocumented and I couldn't do anything ... And then I found the Undocu Academy. And it generally helped me get myself back on track to get to college. And I started caring more about what I was doing. I started going to programs and started doing a lot more ... and I felt more confident about where I was going in the future. And then about three months ago, I got an email back from TheDream.US that I had received my full ride scholarship.”
— Sergio, 2022 Undocu Academy scholar
“The Academy helped me a lot. I have friends. I have people I can rely on. And, you know, being undocumented doesn't mean that you're not loved, that your voice is not gonna be heard. Because you are gonna be heard. Your voice matters because we have another perspective. We are fighters. And we are lovers.”
— Marceline, 2022 Undocu Academy scholar
Help us expand Undocu Academy to 30 students this fall:
Read our New Report: “A Framework for Immigrant Liaisons”
We are asking the New York City Department of Education to create an immigrant liaison position in every K-12 public school in the city. An immigrant liaison is a part-time (or possibly full-time, if needed) position in a school created to offer support for immigrant, and especially undocumented, students and their families and caregivers.
Working with CUNY-IIE and Teach Dream, our educator team, we launched a pilot program to hire Immigrant Liaisons at three high schools and two middle schools. In “A Framework for Immigrant Liaisons,” we share our findings, show how schools can support immigrant students, and discuss next steps.
Undocu Photography Workshop, May 28, 2022
Other Updates
DACA Roundtable at the Mayor’s Office: On June 14, our Co-Executive Director Guadalupe and active member Roxana joined a DACA roundtable with the Mayor’s Office to discuss issues facing undocumented youth in our city. We talked about access to education, voting rights for non-citizens, and immigrant youth accessing policy spaces.
NYSYLC Healing, Art, and Community-Building: Since our Spring update, we held workshops on photography and dance, marched at NYC Pride with members, started a reading group, continued meeting with our Immigrant Daughter Support Group, and organized field trips to Ellis Island and the Brooklyn Museum. In collaboration with Minkwon Center, we held social events at Central Park for undocumented youth, including a cultural picnic, introduction to Korean drumming, and a night of painting and poetry.
NYSYLC Scholarship Fund: We awarded five more scholarships of $500 each to undocumented youth, prioritizing those without DACA and without access to other financial aid.
Undocu Art & Poetry Night with NYSYLC & Minkwon Center, July 31, 2022
Chat with NYSYLC: Join us at our Zoom Call on August 16, 7-7:45 PM. We want to get to know our supporters, share about the work we're doing, and share ways to get involved and support. Register here!
Ways to Support Us
Your Network: Introduce us to a company that can sponsor IYECon. Open your employer’s internships and job opportunities to undocumented youth. Host a fun event or dinner party to raise money for us. Spread the word about our programs. Want support? Email me at jay@nysylc.org.
Your Skills: Do you have any professional skills that can support our organization, or that you can share with Undocu Academy scholars?
Give Monthly: Join Borderless Baddies, our new monthly giving circle! Or, make a one-time donation through the link below.
Please reach out if you have any questions or comments.
Warmly,
Jay Dalal
jay[at]nysylc[dot]org
Development Director, NYSYLC
