Filippenko, A.A. “Dreamers” in the USA: history of formation of the political movement of the young illegal migrants

Abstract: The article tells the story of formation of the volunteer organizations of young illegal migrants fi ghting for the new immigration legislation in the USA. From 2001 on in the US there appeared student associations, being in favor of providing the permanent stay and working permits for the illegal migrants, who were brought into the USA, when they were children. While being initially independent, the groups of young illegal migrants were brought together by large lobbying groups, but they have managed to overcome infl uence of these groups, and they formed an independent political movement. The study involved analysis of stories and interviews of participants of the movement of young illegal migrants (politicians, lobbyists, volunteers of the movement) and systematization of the articles of leading political publications. The youth movement had a signifi cant infl uence upon the migration policy of the USA, while numerous lobbying organizations failed to deal with this task. In spite of opposition of the Congress, the President has signed a memorandum, which met the main requirements of the young illegal migrants, providing them with 2 years visas with the possibility of period extension. Such a result was achieved thanks to the bravery of participants of the movement, who have managed to escape control of the large organizations and act independently.

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