Twitter is using #OriginalDreamers to honor their immigrant parents’ sacrifices

For those of us with immigrant parents, recognizing their sacrifices to get us where we are is vital in our stories as Americans. Not only are we able to truly see how much our parents love us, but we’re also able to recognize what got us here. While we want to celebrate our family every day, there’s no time like the present — especially for all the Latinx folks and Dreamers out there. To support this, thanks to Twitter, users are tweeting #OriginalDreamers to honor their immigrant parents while sharing their stories of triumph and survival.

There’s a reason it’s more important than ever to share these stories. Back in September, the Trump administration announced that it would be ending Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). This would put nearly 800,000 young people out of work, and also at risk for deportation. Since then, activists and undocumented immigrants alike have been asking Congress to pass the “The Dream Act of 2017,” which would protect those who are undocumented, those who were brought to the U.S. as minors, while also protecting them from being kicked out of the work force. Yet, the thing is, that’s not enough.

People are fighting for a “clean Dream Act,” which would also protect undocumented parents from deportation. That’s where this hashtag comes in.

#originaldreamers they sacrificed leaving a home,family, everything to give me a better future, because of them I’m an infant toddler teacher, continuing my education to work with children with special needs, Ive been here since I️ was 3 and I’ll never be ashamed of that 🇲🇽 pic.twitter.com/DXOf4tl1Lo

— Mayte (@mayteeee93) November 8, 2017

Those who share the hashtag are sharing the stories of their immigrant parents, who often left their home countries with little to nothing, all to come to the U.S. and chase the American dream. These are the original Dreamers, who deserve to be protected as much as their children. false

#OriginalDreamers reminds us of the sacrifices loved ones have to make for their families, and how it can pay off, even if it’s incredibly difficult.

My dad left Michoacán, Mexico since he was 17 to support his 9 younger siblings. ❤️ #originaldreamers pic.twitter.com/vslwKvkyka

— bye. (@_chipotleee_) November 7, 2017

We hope these stories spread like wildfire, so the Trump administration has no choice but to recognize them.

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Until then, we’ll be reading these tweets and crying. Thank you to all the parents who faced unnecessary hardships and sacrifices to give their children a better life. YOU are the American dream, and this country wouldn’t be as great without you.