Each year some 65,000 undocumented students graduate from high school in the U.S. They have been educated in American schools, hold American values, know only the U.S. as home and, upon high school graduation, find the door to their future slammed shut because their parents came here without “papers.” It is against the law for them to work or drive. It is difficult, if not impossible in some states, to attend college. Currently, there is no path to citizenship open to them. Papers is the story of these undocumented youth and the challenges they face as they turn 18 without legal status.

Graham Street Productions, in partnership with Film Action Oregon, tells their stories with this film, produced in association with El Grupo Juvenil (the Papers Youth Crew) and community organizations working to change immigration policy on behalf of these young people. Youth are actively involved in all aspects of the production.

Coastal Progressives of Lincoln County are bringing this movie, Papers, for a community showing at Newport High School, 322 NE Eads St., on Thursday May 20, 6:30 p.m. in Room E-9. The event is free and open to all, though donations to help cover costs would be much appreciated. We want the widest possible audience to understand the plight of these young students who were born outside the U.S. but raised in this country. Visit http://www.papersthemovie.com/ to watch the trailer.

For more information, contact Jorge Hernandez at Centro de Ayuda, 541 265 6216.