TOW #26: "American Dreamers"

American Dreamers is a new project presented by the New York Times, in response to the Trump administration's threats directed toward immigrants and their families. It features stories from young immigrants who were permitted to stay in the country and work during the Obama administration. The aim of the collection of stories is to call on Trump's administration to preserve Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, which is a program that "temporarily shields some immigrants from deportation and allows them to work legally." Through the collection and its many appeals to pathos, the New York Times is shining light on the lives of millions of Americans whose livelihoods will be severely damaged through Trump's bigoted agenda.

The page is set up in column style, with quotations from each subject interviewed in big, bold letters. The centrality of such powerful quotations makes it hard not to notice them. The curators also selected each quotation purposely, not only to demonstrate the humanity in each one of the voices, but also to provide examples of how removing the DACA will affect their lives. For readers just taking a look at the website at a glance, these quotes will leave a lasting impression on their mind. Some powerful examples include "Let us walk along you, shoulder to shoulder, on that same road our hands help to pave", and "There are Dreamers that have become lawyers, doctors, police officers and small business owners thanks to DACA." The addition of such quotes adds an important layer and emphasizes each individual's place in the collection.

Another important aspect of the collection is the addition of portraits of each individual. The intimate, authentic style of these portraits make it feel as though readers already know these individuals, as though they can reach out and touch them through their words. These visuals are incredibly powerful, highlighting not only the diversity of those interviewed but also their resoluteness and strength. Alongside the pictures are their name, and a short description of their location and job. Scrolling through the website feels like you are meeting these people in person. It adds a level of personal intimacy that cannot be achieved through words alone.

Overall, the collection emphasizes two very important ideas that are often left out of discussions of immigration, the first being that immigrants are humans. They are just as real as anyone else in America. They have dreams, hopes, and goals, just like any other person. Too often, politicians leave out this important aspect of humanity. Additionally, it discusses the practicalities of new laws. By balancing the appeals to pathos with a solid footing in logic and the law, the American Dreamers collection is able to prove a strong message about the necessity for immigration aid to politicians and readers alike.