"OYW Ambassador Saba Nafees is one of the more than 800,000 “Dreamers” who took advantage of the DACA program in 2012. Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, an Obama era program, provided some temporary protections to undocumented immigrants who entered the country as children. In 2017, the Trump administration made the decision to rescind DACA. With her immigration status once again in limbo, Saba must now face a new set of challenges.
Like all beneficiaries of DACA, Saba was brought to the United States as a child. Her family moved from Pakistan to Texas where her grandfather, an American citizen, lived and owned a business. They were granted U.S. visas through proper channels. While in the process of moving to the U.S., Saba’s grandfather passed away. Left without a family sponsor, Saba’s parents would have to choose between becoming undocumented or returning to Pakistan.
Not long after they immigrated, terrorists bombed the market across from the apartment building where they had lived. With the realization that Pakistan was no longer a safe place for the family, her parents decided to stay and become undocumented.
Jonathan Seaborn and his team have spent the past two years with Saba and her family as they faced one setback after another. This film follows Saba’s fight for the rights of DACA recipients, her parent’s immigration status and the certification of her marriage to a U.S. Citizen."
Saba says, “On the path to global citizenship, all young leaders, from every corner of the world, seek inspiration and guidance as they endeavor to make lasting changes in their communities. One Young World has been this beacon of hope and guidance for me and thousands of young leaders. Counseled by the world’s top leaders and educated by our own peers, OYW Ambassadors fearlessly pursue positive change in their countries. I’m honored and blessed to be part of this wonderful family.”
Look back at when Senator Dick Durbin of Illinois shared Saba's story in the U.S. Senate:
The filmmakers are in search of support to make the film a reality. To learn more about the film and contribute to the production:
