“The path to progress and justice is not always linear. For our community, it often feels more like a route of twists and turns with every election cycle — offering moments of calm only to bring renewed uncertainty and anxiety to the lives of immigrant youth and their families. Despite this, I continue to believe in the promise of this nation. I see it realized time and again in the resilience of our students, the strength of their families, and the unwavering passion of our supporters. These are the true reflections of hope and possibility, and they are what drive us forward.
As a previously undocumented student, I understand the heartbreak that comes with the action and inaction of politicians and legislators. When I was 16, I sat in the Senate gallery as the nation’s legislators voted down the Dream Act. I was disappointed, angry, and sad — but also adamant to not let those actions determine my future. This defiance led to the formation of the Dream Project. Regardless of the political landscape or administration, our mission remains the same: to empower students whose immigration status creates barriers to education, working with them to access and succeed in college. Now over 14 years later, our organization remains defiant to any anti-immigrant sentiments and policies.
Our Dream Project Scholars, despite their young age, have faced and continue to overcome extraordinary challenges. Since our formation, our scholars have entered universities, earned degrees, started professional careers, pursued graduate degrees and enriched our community both economically and culturally. Their achievements are remarkable, given the barriers they have had to navigate.
For years, many schools in Virginia denied them admission; others classified them as international students, charging up to three times the out-of-state rate. They have persevered through hostile campus environments, anti-immigrant sentiments, a global pandemic, and the toll on mental health that ongoing Supreme Court decisions and elections take. Despite these obstacles, and often with limited support, our scholars have navigated their educational journeys with courage and tenacity, proving the transformative impact of opportunity and the strength of their dreams.
Whatever the future holds, the Dream Project will remain vigilant and steadfast in supporting our students and families. We will continue to host seminars, information sessions, and gatherings on relevant topics and provide safe spaces to address the concerns, and discuss our collective anxieties, hopes, and dreams moving forward. Including a solidarity circle for our students and families this Friday evening.
Thank you to all our supporters, families, and — most importantly — the young people who inspire us daily. You are why we continue this work. You represent what has always made this country extraordinary. Your presence enriches this nation, and together, we will keep moving forward.”
With Gratitude,
Karen Vallejos Corrales, J.D.
Executive Director,
The Dream Project
571-268-1083
executivedirector@dream-project.org
