Listen to this articleIn a statement released Thursday, the American Civil Liberties Union and Logo annouced a partnership for the network premiere of Forbidden: Undocumented & Queer in Rural America, which follows Moises Serrano on his journey to achieve the “American Dream.” The film, from two-time Emmy Award-winning Logo Documentary Films, will air Friday, Sep. 1, 8 p.m. ET.
As racially motivated tension in the U.S. continues to increase, the partners want to shed light on one individual’s story in hopes that his experience as an undocumented immigrant and gay man born in Mexico, and raised in North Carolina, will resonate with Americans of all ethnicities, genders and sexual orientations.
The goal of is to inform the public of the struggles and stigmas placed upon individuals facing similar challenges as Serrano, while highlighting the civil rights and liberties that constitutionally apply to every individual living in the U.S., regardless of their status.
“When we learned about Moises’ bravery and desire to fight for the 11 million other undocumented immigrants in America, we knew we had to give him and his story more visibility,” said Taj Paxton, vice president of Logo’s Documentary Films. “Working with the ACLU, we hope to inspire young people to take action so success stories like Moises’ become commonplace.”
“For Moises and nearly 800,000 other young people across the country, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals is a lifeline. It has empowered dreamers to live, work and pursue their futures in the U.S. – their home. Young immigrants like Moises made DACA possible through their advocacy and bravery. We must follow in their footsteps and urge Congress to pass long overdue legislation that gives dreamers the legal status that they deserve,” said Lorella Praeli, ACLU director of immigration policy and campaigns.
The film was an official selection at the 2016 Newfest Film Festival in NYC and the 2016 Outfest Film Festival where it received the Freedom Award.
What is Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals?
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals is a program of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, a kind of administrative relief from deportation. The purpose of DACA is to protect eligible immigrant youth who came to the United States when they were children from deportation. DACA gives young undocumented immigrants protection from deportation and a work permit. The program expires after two years, subject to renewal.
However, in light of the Trump Administration, the program may be discontinued at any time. Individuals with DACA may lose work authorization or may not be allowed to renew their work authorization. Those with a recent criminal history should not apply for an initial or DACA renewal as this may make you a priority for removal. For more information about DACA, visit: www.uscis.gov/humanitarian/consideration-deferred-action-childhood-arrivals-daca
In addition to tuning in for the premiere of Forbidden: Undocumented & Queer in Rural America, viewers can participate in the campaign by:
- Signing the petition urging Congress to pass the Dream Act now at https://www.aclu.org/DreamAct_logo
- Tuning in to a Facebook Live conversation on immigration and the LGBTQ community with Moises Serrano, an ACLU representative and more on Thursday, Aug. 31, 5:30 p.m. ET at facebook.com/logo
- Finding ways to take action and learn more at forbidden.logotv.com
- Contributing to the hashtag #NobodyIsForbidden by sharing a video answering “Why do you stand up for Immigrant rights?” on Facebook, Twitter and/or Instagram
