I met UNNA X (born Ashley Delima) at 17 years old. It was during the time when DACA recipients were in jeopardy of being deported and ICE began targeted home raids in Ashley’s community of Long Branch, NJ. Ashley was born in New Jersey but wound up moving back to Brazil to live with her parents. From the age of seven, until she moved home at 17, she was bullied, fell victim to a mugging and assault, and was constantly unsure of her safety in the Brasilia neighborhood where she lived. She longed for the promise of the American Dream and eventually found her way back to New Jersey. Her parents followed, but were not as lucky. Ashley’s mother made it across the Mexican border on a conditional visa; her father was detained and deported soon after his arrival. The “Stay In America” video was filmed in Long Branch with the people of her community, many of whom were at risk. The campaign was launched as a reaction to what many in Long Branch and the Jersey Shore felt about the possible rescinding of DACA, or the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival immigration policy. SIA was named “The Long Branch Dreamers Anthem” and was voted one of the Top 12 Songs of the Year by The Asbury Park Press. #WeAreAmerica