Watch The Dream Is Now

The Dream Is Now is a documentary film produced by the Emerson Collective, released in 2013. The film follows the stories of several undocumented immigrants living in the United States, as they struggle to achieve their dreams and overcome the obstacles imposed by their immigration status.

The film is a powerful exploration of the human cost of America's broken immigration system, and the toll it takes on the lives and aspirations of millions of people who are denied the opportunity to fully participate in society. Through the eyes of its subjects, The Dream Is Now provides a unique and intimate portrait of the immigrant experience in America, highlighting the challenges faced by those who are denied the fundamental rights and freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution.

The film opens with the story of Jose Antonio Vargas, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist who came to the United States from the Philippines as a child. Vargas reveals that he is one of an estimated 11 million undocumented immigrants currently living in the country, and that he has spent most of his life in fear of being discovered and deported. Vargas tells his story with passion and conviction, describing the frustration of living in the shadows, and his determination to fight for comprehensive immigration reform.

Throughout the film, we meet other immigrants, each with their own compelling story to tell. There is Alonso Chehade, a talented musician with a degree in classical guitar who is unable to pursue his passion because he cannot obtain a work permit. There is Moises Serrano, a young man from North Carolina who dreams of becoming a filmmaker, but must constantly worry about being separated from his family and deported to Mexico. There is also Raúl, a married father of three who lives with the constant fear that he could be deported at any moment, leaving his family behind.

These stories are woven together in a powerful narrative that highlights the human toll of America's broken immigration system. The Dream Is Now is not just a story about undocumented immigrants; it is a story about America itself, and the struggle to live up to the ideals of freedom, justice, and equality that are at the heart of our national identity.

The film also features commentary from a range of experts and advocates, including immigration attorneys, elected officials, and civil rights leaders. They provide context and analysis on the complex legal and political issues surrounding immigration reform, and offer insights into the strategies and tactics being used to push for change.

Overall, The Dream Is Now is a powerful and thought-provoking film that asks us to confront some of the most pressing and divisive issues of our time. It challenges us to see undocumented immigrants not as faceless statistics, but as human beings with hopes, dreams, and aspirations just like ours. It forces us to confront the moral and ethical implications of a system that denies millions of people the opportunity to fully realize their potential and contribute to society. And, ultimately, it calls on us to come together as a nation to find a just and compassionate solution to this pressing social issue.

The Dream Is Now is a series that ran for 1 seasons (1 episodes) between April 15, 2013 and on Emerson Collective