‘Bernardo’s Story’ Highlights Utah Dreamer
Washington, D.C. — Today, the National Immigration Forum launched a digital advertising buy in five states and Washington, D.C., telling the story of Bernardo Castro, a Mormon undocumented immigrant in danger of deportation after the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program was rescinded earlier this year.
In the ads, Bernardo tells the story of his love for the United States, a migration from Mexico that he does not remember, his upbringing in Utah and his life as a married college student, supporting himself with a full-time job.
“I love being part of a society where you can accomplish anything, where literally the sky is the limit,” Bernardo says in the video.
“As the fate of the Dreamers is debated in Congress, it’s easy to lose sight of the real people affected by the end of DACA — not just Dreamers themselves but the communities to which they belong,” said Ali Noorani, Executive Director of the National Immigration Forum. “Bernardo’s story is intrinsically American: He prioritizes family, work, education and community. While his story inspires us, we must remember that there are hundreds of thousands like him across America.”
The five-figure video campaign will target conservative voters in Indiana, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee and Wisconsin, as well as the District of Columbia.
Bernardo’s Story can be viewed at www.immigrationforum.org/bernardos-story.
About Bernardo
Bernardo Castro is an Eagle Scout and an active member of his church. He was raised in Utah and learned he was undocumented only when he wanted to apply for a driver’s license at age 16. He and his wife live outside Provo, Utah, where Bernardo is finishing his degree at Brigham Young University.