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Who is Astrid Silva, and why is her story so important? If you’re not familiar with her name, the DREAM Act, or her journey, you’re about to hear a lot more, especially if you’re watching the Democratic National Convention (DNC) tonight. Astrid Silva is a prominent DREAMer whose inspiring story of resilience and advocacy has captured national attention.
Silva is becoming the leading voice for undocumented immigrants, symbolizing this fight for immigration reform; she has been in this country since she was a child. Her story-trying to make a life out of being an undocumented person under DACA-brings light into the plights and aspirations of millions with similar stories. The work Silva has done has developed her into an ardent advocate for the DREAM Act that would create a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants who came to the U.S. as children.
Tonight, Astrid Silva will take the stage at the DNC and share her story to mobilize others to join the fight for fair and humane immigration policies. Her speech promises to be a powerful moment leading into remarks by Bernie Sanders and First Lady Michelle Obama.
If you’re interested in learning more about Silva’s journey, her activism, and the impact of the DREAM Act, now is the perfect time to tune in and learn why her voice is one that resonates across the nation.
Immigration
DREAMer Astrid Silva’s family came from Mexico and settled in Las Vegas at the tender age of four. When her grandmother died, Silva was unable to go to Mexico for the funeral, out of fear of being caught and not being allowed to return to her adopted home.
This is why she began to campaign for the extreme change that would be needed to amend the current immigration laws in the U.S.
DREAMer is a 26-year-old college student working on her third degree. Isolated by her undocumented immigration status, Silva couldn’t get a driver’s license or go to school outside of her adopted home state.
Organizer
Astrid Silva is a passionate immigration reformist who works at the Progressive Leadership Alliance of Nevada, serving as the organizing director. She fights relentlessly for the most marginalized communities in our society so their voices could be heard within policy development in order to advance a more just society.
Silva’s journey as a DREAMer has made her one of the leading faces in the immigration reform movement. Growing up in the United States as an undocumented immigrant, she knows what millions of people are going through. Her commitment to this cause has led her to testify before Congress, where she shared her story and pressed for expanded deferred action programs and comprehensive immigration reform.
Since her work with PLAN, Silva has testified at numerous conferences, bringing a high level of urgency to help revise the nation’s current system of immigration. She works in securing a pathway to citizenship, protecting families against deportation, and passing policies that show appreciation for all immigrants’ work contributions.
The voice of Astrid Silva has become synonymous with hope and resilience for many. Her steadfast dedication to creating positive change continues to inspire others to take action and join the fight for a fair and humane immigration system. As a leader and an advocate, Silva’s work is a reminder of the power of perseverance and the importance of standing up for what is right.
Barack Obama
To her surprise, Obama mentioned Silva in his speech, announcing his plans for executive changes on the U.S. immigration system. Naturally, Silva was shocked and overwhelmed with joy.
And audiences will see her again tonight, this time making a speech of her own, addressing the issues and supporting Hillary Clinton.f
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Pen Pals
After her ordeal with her grandmother, Silva could no longer live her life in fear and decide to start writing about her life story to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid. He first encountered Silva a few years ago after receiving her “heartfelt letters” about her undocumented immigration story.
When the Nevada senator finally read Silva’s handwritten letters, he was moved and an unlikely pen pal and friendship was formed from that moment on. Their bond helped influence Reid to support the bill for immigration reform.
The DNC will take place from July 25 until July 28 and will be available for live stream on the DNC web site. Day One will take place at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, where speakers, leaders, supporters, and media will be in attendance.
