Ron Conway (SV Angel) (Sep 2017)

Ron Conway (SV Angel Founder) – Laurene Powell Jobs and Ron Conway (Sep 2017)

Chapters

00:00:08 Tech Leaders Discuss Immigration Reform and Dreamers

Introduction:
Ron Conway, a renowned visionary in the tech community, shifted the focus of his discussion with Laurene Powell Jobs to address the pressing issue of immigration reform, particularly the DREAM Act. This discussion stemmed from the recognition that the U.S. Congress was prioritizing tax reform while ignoring the urgent need to address the Dream Act and the plight of 800,000 Dreamers.

Laurene Powell Jobs’ Involvement:
Laurene Powell Jobs, a successful entrepreneur and founder of College Track, encountered the need for immigration reform while working with high school students. She observed that many students lacked the necessary guidance and information about college admission requirements. This experience prompted her to start College Track, an organization dedicated to supporting students from underprivileged backgrounds on their journey to college.

DREAM Act and its Significance:
College Track students faced challenges related to their immigration status, including a lack of social security numbers and legal documentation. This revelation led Laurene Powell Jobs to advocate for the DREAM Act, which aimed to provide a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants who were brought to the United States as children. The DREAM Act was introduced in Congress in 2001, but it has faced political obstacles and has not been passed into law.

DACA and Its Rescission:
President Obama’s executive action in 2012 created Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), which provided temporary protection from deportation and access to work permits and in-state tuition for DREAMers. President Trump’s recent decision to rescind DACA has created a window of opportunity to raise awareness and advocate for the DREAM Act.

Current Situation and Challenges:
The rescinding of DACA has brought renewed attention to the plight of Dreamers and the need for comprehensive immigration reform. The issue of immigration is intertwined with broader questions about national identity, priorities, and the role of immigrants in shaping the country. The current political climate presents challenges for passing the DREAM Act, given the complex interplay of partisan politics and differing views on immigration.

00:08:00 The Role of Artists in Promoting Immigration Reform

00:13:25 Art and Media for Social Change

00:17:04 Supporting DREAMers in the Face of DACA Rescission

Abstract

A Call for Compassion and Action: The Urgent Need for Immigration Reform in the United States

In a deeply resonant discussion led by Laurene Powell Jobs and Ron Conway, the critical importance of immigration reform in the United States has been brought to the forefront. Focusing on the plight of DREAMers, undocumented immigrants brought to the U.S. as children, and their significant contributions to the tech industry and economy, Powell Jobs and Conway emphasize the need for immediate action. This article delves into the various facets of the issue, including the economic impact of immigration reform, the role of art and activism in raising awareness, and the urgent call for supporting the DREAM Act and DACA Renewal Fund.

The Need for Immigration Reform:

Laurene Powell Jobs, through her work with College Track, identified a pressing need for immigration reform. The organization, aimed at aiding students from disadvantaged backgrounds, revealed that many of its students were undocumented immigrants, educated in the U.S. but barred from federal or state financial aid. The discussion extends to the DREAM Act, a bipartisan bill offering citizenship to these individuals, an initiative yet to be passed despite being introduced in 2001. The rescission of DACA by President Trump in 2017 exacerbated the uncertainty for approximately 800,000 DREAMers in the U.S.

Urgency of the Situation:

These 800,000 Dreamers face immense uncertainty due to the Trump administration’s decision to rescind DACA. Immediate action is necessary to safeguard their lives and alleviate their fear and uncertainty.

Immigration’s Role in Tech and Economic Growth:

The United States’ tech success is heavily indebted to immigrants, with a notable number of Fortune 500 companies founded by them or their children. Immigrants have also played a pivotal role in the growth of small businesses in the U.S., which are crucial for economic growth at various levels. Ignoring immigration reform could result in severe economic repercussions at local, state, and federal levels, and goes against American values and economic viability.

Importance of Tech Community Involvement:

Immigrants have played a significant role in the development of high technology, including the iPhones and Androids that are ubiquitous in our lives today. The tech community has a responsibility to unite and support Dreamers, who are part of their community and make significant contributions to its success.

The Influence of Artists and Cultural Purveyors:

Artists like Will.i.am and visual artist JR have used their platforms to highlight immigration issues. Will.i.am’s involvement with College Track in Boyle Heights emphasizes STEM education, while JR’s artwork on the U.S.-Mexico border wall presents a powerful commentary on immigration policies.

Art and Activism:

Artistic endeavors, from JR’s impactful border artwork to Alejandro Inarritu’s VR experience and Davis Guggenheim’s documentary, have been instrumental in altering perceptions and humanizing the experiences of Dreamers. These works underscore the distress and uncertainty faced by young undocumented immigrants, challenging prevalent stereotypes.

Mobilizing Support for DREAMers:

Ron Conway calls for immediate action to support DREAMers, emphasizing the role of the community in advocating for their rights. The Emerson Collective’s Dreamers website and DACA Renewal Fund are central platforms for this advocacy, offering avenues for public involvement, from contacting Congressman Kevin McCarthy to supporting DREAMers’ renewal fees.

Call to Action:

Visit the Emerson Collective Dreamers website (www.emersoncollective.com/dreams) to take action. Call your congressman and urge them to put the DREAM Act on the docket and pass it as soon as possible. Contribute to the DACA Renewal Fund to help Dreamers cover the $495 renewal fee. Stay informed about the status of the Dreamers and continue to take action to support them.

The combined efforts of Laurene Powell Jobs, Ron Conway, artists, and activists underline the critical and immediate need for comprehensive immigration reform in the United States. Their work not only sheds light on the economic and cultural benefits of such reform but also humanizes the issue, urging empathy and action to safeguard the futures of DREAMers. The current situation demands not just awareness but proactive engagement from all sectors of society to ensure the passage of the DREAM Act and the protection of undocumented immigrants who have grown up and contributed significantly to American society.

Timeline and Goal:

Aim to pass the DREAM Act by the end of the year to provide Dreamers with a permanent solution and secure their future.

Notes by: OracleOfEntropy

Ron Conway (SV Angel Founder) – Laurene Powell Jobs and Ron Conway (Sep 2017)

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Abstract

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