A Room Full of Hope, Fear, and Courage
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Renewing Optimism: Keepers of the American Dream 

[link removed] Good afternoon,

Last week, I had the privilege of attending the National Immigration
Forum's 19th installment of the Keepers of the American Dream Award
Reception . Every year, our
organization takes an opportunity to recognize

leaders and organizations that are working to support immigrants and
advance meaningful immigration policy reform that centers around human
dignity and compassion. On this occasion, the four honorees were:

* Amazon

* Joseph Azam, Board Chair of the Afghan American Foundation

* Charles Foster, Chairman of Foster LLP

* Rev. Dr. Gabriel Salguero and Rev. Jeanette Salguero, President and
Vice President of the National Latino Evangelical Coalition

In a reception hall overlooking the U.S. Capitol, leaders connected to
the work of the National Immigration Forum gathered to celebrate these
honorees. What was most notable about the room was the thrum of emotions
that could be felt. Hope, fear, and courage brought everyone together
throughout the night.

Jennie Murray, President and CEO of the National Immigration Forum,
opened the program
with a
thoughtful anecdote about her husband Max, an immigrant to the United
States who was in attendance. Ten years ago, the Keepers event was held
on the same day as his American citizenship ceremony, which lead him to
jokingly refer to the reception as his "American Party" to celebrate his
new citizenship. So, at another "American Party" ten years later, Jennie
invited us to "find hope" with those around us because that shared hope
is what allows us to work together.

During the ceremony, each honoree shared their experience and work
related to immigration reform and what drives them to action. A couple
highlights:

Honoree Joseph Azam spoke about a common factor that brought us together
that evening: fear. Immigrants daily face fear about work, not feeling
secure in their community, dealing with scarcity, and difficulty
trusting others. Fear is one of the driving forces in the conversation
about immigration in the United States, and the National Immigration
Forum continues to be a place where people can push through that fear to
advocate for what is right.

In a similar fashion, Reverend Dr. Gabriel Salguero accepted the award
on behalf of himself and his wife, Reverend Jeanette Salguero.
Throughout his speech, Salguero reminded attendees that "there is a need
for courage. Courage is in high demand and in low supply."

However, the room I stood in that night was filled with an abundance of
courage. The courage to fight for meaningful immigration reform, not
just from leaders, but from members of faith, law enforcement, national
security, and business communities across the country. Courage allows us
to reach out and make connections with others who will join us in this
honorable fight.

Throughout the night hope, fear, courage, and a plethora of other
emotions were palpable among the people in the room. For me, each
emotion reminded me why I joined the Forum and reaffirmed my commitment
to continue to push for immigration reform. I urge you to join me in
this fight to renew your motivation, hope, and optimism while asking
Congress to act on meaningful immigration reform
that focuses on human dignity and compassion.

Stay hopeful and committed,

Andrea

**Andrea Corro**
Field and Constituencies Coordinator
National Immigration Forum 

**NEWS CLIPS TO NOTE:**

**BORDER REPORT:**Here's how Biden wants to spend $13.6 billion from
Congress on border

****

**THE HILL:**DHS proposes changes to H-1B work visas
 

****

**AP:**Venezuelans become largest nationality for illegal border
crossings as September numbers surge

****PBS:
Settlement
over Trump-era family separations at the border limits separations for 8
years

**CBS:**

****U.S. to create new immigration program for Ecuadorians aimed at
discouraging border crossings

 

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