Good afternoon,

Last week, I had the privilege of attending the National Immigration Forum’s 19^th 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 

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