About
Dreamers are individuals brought into the U.S. as children and who are without legal status. The term derives from the DREAM Act, a bill that has been repeatedly introduced but never yet passed into law—are individuals brought into the U.S. as children and who are without legal status. Since 2012, roughly 800,000 Dreamers have qualified to receive work authorization and protections from deportation under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. As of September 2017, however, the DACA program is being terminated, such that hundreds of thousands of Dreamers will lose their jobs and become at risk of deportation in the near future—unless Congress takes action.
While Dreamers are diverse in many ways—from various countries of birth, living in all fifty states, ranging in age from teenagers to mid-30s, and of different religions and ethnicities—most Dreamers (like most immigrants overall) identify as Christians. Many of us are active members of local churches, committed to following Jesus and seeking His Kingdom. Our primary identity is found in Christ.
Voices of Christian Dreamers is a grassroots, Dreamers-led movement committed to changing the conversation about undocumented immigrants in the Church and beyond—from political to biblical, from issue- to people-focused—through highlighting biblical teaching, personal stories and other helpful resources.
We are looking for more Christian Dreamers and friends to join us! Please fill out this form or visit our Facebook page to get in touch.
Advisory Board
Liz Dong, Wheaton, IL
Having been welcomed into the Church and introduced to Jesus as a young immigrant from China, Liz is passionate about seeing more churches welcoming the stranger in Christ’s name. She served as the Midwest Mobilizer for the Evangelical Immigration Table, and the Bibles, Badges and Business for Immigration Reform Coalition for a number of years. Liz is a graduate of Northwestern University and the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and currently works in financial advisory services. She enjoys hiking, camping and just about anything outdoors.
Twitter: @gnodzil
Adriana Mondragon, Santa Ana, CA
Adriana came to the US with her mother at the age of 5 and was introduced to Christ at the age of 12 through an after-school tutoring program in her neighborhood. Adriana is a graduate of Biola University and is working towards her Marriage and Family Therapist license. She is passionate about and committed to building God's Kingdom on earth as it is in heaven through social justice, racial reconciliation, and community service efforts in and beyond her community. Adriana enjoys devotionals, walking, nature, 1-1s over coffee, and serving her family, friends and community as time allows.
Twitter: @amondragon555
Jose Ocampo, Wingate, NC
Jose came to the U.S. as a two-month-old and became a Christian as a teenager. He is currently attending Wingate University, majoring in Marketing and minoring in Accounting. He also serves as a youth director at Hickory Grove Baptist Church in Charlotte. Feeling called to ministry, Jose plans to go to seminary after he graduates from college. He is also a huge Hornets and Panthers fan.
Twitter: @HoseAyye
Juan A. Terrazas, Lawrenceville, GA
Juan migrated to the U.S. with his family when he was five years old. At the age of fourteen, his father was deported, and his mother had to return to Mexico to care for her ill father. Throughout high school, Juan had to learn to survive as he bounced from home to home, living with whoever would take him in. Juan received an Associate's Degree from El Centro Community College, and is on his way to finishing his Bachelor's degree online at UT of the Permian Basin.
Juan is co-author (with Sally Salas) of "Left in America", a book on his own life story. He works with Path Project, an organization that invests in youths to further their education and find their calling from God.
Twitter: @juanton9
Ruth Velazquez, Chicago, IL
Ruth came to the U.S at the age of 13 and committed her life to Christ not too long after. Her experiences in worshiping and serving in multicultural settings have given her a better understanding of God's love for the nations, which she hopes to share with others. Ruth is a first-generation college graduate of North Central College and currently works in sales development. In her free time, she enjoys being with family and friends and going salsa dancing.
Twitter: @ruthvelaz30
Fia Vonjimalala, Moline, IL
Fia came to the U.S. from Madagascar when she was a teenager. Her heart for ministry led her to attend Moody Bible Institute, where she graduated with a Bachelor's in Communications. As the Director of Children's Ministries at YouthHope, Fia uses her own immigrant experience as a bridge to encourage, empower and witness to the families she works with, most of whom are immigrants and refugees.
Hilario Yanez, Houston, TX
As a first-generation college graduate from the University of Houston, Hilario owes all his success to God. Despite being an immigrant from Tampico, Mexico, becoming homeless at one point, and growing up in a rough neighborhood, God equipped him with hope, identity and purpose to get pass his struggles. He is now using his faith to inspire others. Hilario currently works as a technology analyst for Accenture Consulting.
Ricardo Zamudio, Phoenix, AZ
Ricardo came to the U.S. at the age of nine with his parents and two younger sisters. His journey to find his voice in this country has led him to civic engagement and immigration policy advocacy on a local and national level. Ricardo graduated from Arizona State University with a Bachelor's in Social Work and a minor in Urban and Metropolitan Studies. He is the director of Neighborhood Ministries’ social justice team.