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Who We Are

The NYSYLC is the first organization in New York led by undocumented youth. Our goal is to give undocumented youth the tools and space to organize and create change in our communities. For over a decade, we have led the fight for education equity for undocumented students, including passing the New York State Dream Act in 2019.

Our programs include:

Organizing undocumented youth for immigrant justice and equal access to higher education (Learn more: Dream Team Network)
Supporting undocumented high school students with college access and income access
Support groups
Leadership development & mentorship
Community events & art workshops

Undocu Student Picnic

Our Story

The NYSYLC was established in 2007 by a group of undocumented youth seeking to articulate and advocate for the unique needs of New York undocumented youth, and build undocumented-led spaces for empowerment and expression outside of policy.

We were instrumental in the national push to put undocumented immigrants, and the Dream Act, at the forefront of the immigration debate through an “undocumented and unafraid” organizing model. This model highlights that undocumented people know best what their liberation looks like and are experts on the issues that impact their lives. Through this model we have led campaigns and participated in direct actions.

In 2011, after the failure of the federal Dream Act, the NYSYLC drafted and helped introduce the first version of the New York State Dream Act, which became law in 2019, to allow undocumented students to apply for state financial aid. By focusing on local legislation and organizing, the NYSYLC introduced the concept of Dream Teams — local undocumented and immigrant-friendly hubs in colleges and high schools across the city. Since then, Dream Teams have been established in 20 campuses.

In 2020, NYSYLC youth launched the first COVID-19 fundraiser for undocumented immigrants in NYC, distributing nearly $500,000 to over 1,000 families. Since the pandemic started, we have expanded our efforts to support undocumented youth through community-building, art, emotional support, and economic empowerment, while continuing to organize for more immigrant resources from the DOE and CUNY system.

Members of the NYSYLC have leveraged their experiences to start new organizations — including United We Dream, Queens Neighborhood United, Fat Femme Collective, and Undocu Nature — and become leaders in social justice, education, government, art, and more.

Our work has been recognized in several ways, including the Public Interest Award 2017 by Outten & Golden LLP, the Frederick Douglass Honoree Award in 2021 by North Star Fund. In 2022 we were a finalist for Brooklyn Community Foundation’s Spark Prize.

Thank you for supporting the leadership of undocumented youth!

Bowling for Undocumented Youth

By New York State Youth Leadership Council

Bowling for Undocumented Youth

Give by October 24 to support immigrant and undocumented youth leaders in NYC

Team Leaderboard

Team Members