This innovative video program was developed in consultation with immigration and criminal defense attorneys, law enforcement officials, community outreach workers, and people from the Spanish-speaking community who, in their own words, tell newcomers the reality of life in the United States.
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An “American Dream” by any other name would be as sweet…
“America,” says one hopeful Mexican immigrant at the beginning of El Sueno Americano (The American Dream), “–that’s where God lives.”
For newcomers to our country, this may not seem like an outrageous claim. Life in America can be exhilarating. When immigrants finally get here from Mexico, and Central and South America, the possibility for improving their lives seems closer to becoming a reality than ever. Everywhere are signs that success is within the grasp of ordinary people like themselves. They may start to think that they’ve finally got it made.
Exciting, exhilarating—without a doubt. But life in America is also complicated and overwhelming even for those who were born here. For people who speak no English and have little familiarity with American culture, the pitfalls are many and may easily spell disaster.
Of all the possible immigrant nightmares, which is the worst? That’s easy: running afoul of Immigration and/or the Police.
Waking From The Nightmare
Help has now arrived in the form of the film El Sueno Americano (The American Dream). In a clear, declarative style, aided by Spanish voiceover and English subtitles, the award-winning El Sueno (New York Festival and Telly Award Finalist) teases apart the tangle of potential problems that can easily result from not understanding one’s obligations and rights where these two institutions are concerned.
With many states proposing and adopting more stringent policies aimed at identifying, prosecuting and deporting illegal immigrants, it is more important than ever that those who are here legally be well schooled in advance. Immigrants must not only know what information they are bound to give to authorities but what they are legally protected from divulging. If an immigrant fails to understand the issues and the questions before they are raised, the most innocent-seeming slip can bring dreams of American happiness success crashing down.
Covering All The Bases
To get the most versatile and universally helpful information, the producers of El Sueno Americano have solicited the expertise of dozens of professionals on both sides of the border. These experts offer no-nonsense solutions about confusing issues such as the role of the often unscrupulous “notarios.”
A notario is substantially different from the American “notary public.” That difference can be very difficult to grasp. And, as this film stresses, there are unscrupulous sorts who would exploit the confusion. Many an unsuspecting immigrant has his or her life savings because of a simple lack of understanding.
The Voice Of Experience
The information presented in this film is detailed and exhaustive and as comprehensive as a manual. And yet it is also salted with real-life stories told by immigrants who have already successfully navigated paths through these complicated institutions. This personal approach is likely the most compelling aspect of this film. These stories will resonate powerfully with any newcomer and help alleviate the fear that is part of any immigrant’s story.
To order this program, please visit the Intermedia Website
