“Papers” is the story of undocumented youth and the challenges they face as they turn 18 without legal status.
There are approximately 2 million undocumented children who were born outside the U.S. and raised in this country. These are young people who were educated in American schools, hold American values, know only the U.S. as home and who, upon high school graduation, find the door to their future slammed shut.
65,000 undocumented students graduate every year from high school without “papers.”
It is against the law to work or drive. It is difficult, if not impossible in some states, to attend college. They live at risk of arrest, detention and deportation to countries they may not even remember. Currently, there is no path to citizenship for these young people.
Graham Street Productions produced this film in association with El Grupo Juvenil, the “Papers” Youth Crew. These youth producers were actively involved in all aspects of the production and distribution. Their work has also led to the creation of Momentum Alliance.
“Papers: Stories of Undocumented Youth” has screened in all 50 states, from community centers to college campuses to the U.S. Capitol and is available for personal and educational use.
For more about Papers, click here.