United We Dream

United We Dream. It is the largest immigrant youth-led community in the United States, dedicated to empowering young people to advocate for their rights and dignity. Founded in the wake of failed federal legislation, the network has become a pivotal force in shaping the national conversation on immigration. Through strategic campaigns, grassroots organizing, and political advocacy, it has directly influenced key policies and protected hundreds of thousands from deportation.

History and founding

The organization coalesced in 2008, emerging from the collective frustration following the defeat of the DREAM Act in the United States Senate. Key founding members were youth leaders from groups like the New York State Youth Leadership Council and the Immigrant Youth Justice League in Chicago. Initial strategy sessions were supported by established organizations such as the National Immigration Law Center. The network formally launched its first major coordinated action during the 2010 Trail of Dreams, a walk from Miami to Washington, D.C. that highlighted the plight of undocumented students. This period of consolidation set the stage for its rise as a formidable independent political force, distinct from older advocacy groups like the National Council of La Raza.

Mission and advocacy

The core mission is to empower immigrant youth to achieve their full potential and to build a multi-ethnic, multi-racial movement for justice. Its advocacy is firmly rooted in the principles of intersectionality, often linking immigration status to issues of LGBTQ rights, racial justice, and economic equity. Central to its work is fighting for permanent protections and a pathway to citizenship for undocumented individuals, while also combating detention and deportation policies. The network actively challenges enforcement agencies like ICE and advocates for transformative change beyond incremental reforms, influencing debates within the Democratic Party and challenging administrations from Obama to Trump.

Organizational structure and network

United We Dream operates as a decentralized network with over 100 affiliate groups across more than 28 states, including major hubs in Texas, California, and Florida. Its structure includes a central staff based in Washington, D.C. that coordinates national strategy, while powerful local entities like United We Dream Houston and United We Dream Action drive on-the-ground mobilization and electoral work. Decision-making emphasizes leadership from directly impacted individuals, with a board composed primarily of undocumented youth. The network is funded through a mix of foundation grants from donors like the Ford Foundation and Open Society Foundations, and grassroots contributions from its membership base.

Key campaigns and initiatives

Its most defining campaign was the push for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, where its advocacy was instrumental in pressuring the Obama administration to enact the policy in 2012. Following this, the network launched the "Here to Stay" campaign to defend DACA against legal challenges and repeal efforts during the Trump administration. Other major initiatives include the "Defund Hate" campaign, which targets congressional appropriations to agencies like ICE and CBP. It also runs the "MigraWatch" hotline to monitor ICE activity and the "United We Dream Innovation Fund" to support leadership development and rapid response efforts in communities from Phoenix to Atlanta.

Impact and recognition

The organization's impact is most visible in the lives of over 800,000 DACA recipients who gained temporary reprieve from deportation and work authorization, a policy victory achieved alongside allies like Catholic bishops and the ACLU. It has shifted political discourse, making the protection of Dreamers a central issue for lawmakers from Nancy Pelosi to Mitch McConnell. The network's leaders, such as Cristina Jiménez Moreta, have received honors like the MacArthur "Genius" Grant. Its strategic litigation and mobilization have blocked numerous deportation cases and influenced state-level policies in places like New Jersey and Illinois, cementing its role as an essential voice in the movement for immigrant rights.

Category:Immigrant rights organizations in the United States Category:Youth organizations based in the United States Category:Organizations established in 2008