Laurene Powell Jobs and Ron Conway: Help Our Fellow Americans | Disrupt SF 2017

TL;DR

Laurene Powell Jobs and Ron Conway discuss the urgent need for immigration reform, focusing on the plight of DREAMers in the U.S. They emphasize the importance of passing the DREAM Act to protect 800,000 individuals from deportation and highlight how the tech community can contribute to this cause. They urge viewers to take action by contacting legislators and supporting renewal funds.

Transcript

hello thank you for welcoming us to the stage I know that Ron is a common visionary that's turned to in the tech community and but today's not talking about tech per se as an investment he's talking with me about how the tech community can become active in some of the social issues of today and funny enough Laureen and I have been prepping for toda... Read More

Key Insights

• Laurene Powell Jobs founded College Track to support first-generation college-bound students.
• The DREAM Act aims to provide legal status to undocumented individuals brought to the U.S. as children.
• DACA, introduced by Obama, protected young immigrants from deportation, but was rescinded by Trump.
• Over 40% of Fortune 500 companies were founded by immigrants or their children.
• Artists like JR and Alejandro Inarritu use their work to raise awareness about immigration issues.
• The tech industry heavily relies on immigrant talent, highlighting the economic impact of immigration.
• There is a critical need for comprehensive immigration reform to align with American values and economic needs.
• Ron Conway and Laurene Powell Jobs urge the public to contact legislators to support the DREAM Act.

Questions & Answers

Q: How can individuals support DREAMers?

Individuals can support DREAMers by contacting their local legislators to advocate for the DREAM Act, which aims to provide legal status to undocumented immigrants brought to the U.S. as children. Additionally, they can donate to DACA renewal funds to help cover the application costs for those eligible to renew their status.

Q: What is the significance of the DREAM Act?

The DREAM Act is significant because it seeks to provide a pathway to legal status for young undocumented immigrants who were brought to the U.S. as children. These individuals, known as DREAMers, often lack access to legal protection despite being integral members of American society, contributing to the economy and culture.

Q: Why was DACA rescinded?

DACA was rescinded by the Trump administration as part of its broader immigration policy changes. The program, initially introduced by President Obama, provided temporary protection from deportation for young immigrants, allowing them to work and study in the U.S. The rescission created uncertainty and fear among the 800,000 individuals who relied on its protections.

Q: How do immigrants contribute to the U.S. economy?

Immigrants significantly contribute to the U.S. economy, with over 40% of Fortune 500 companies founded by immigrants or their children. They play a vital role in the tech industry, often filling critical skill gaps. Immigrants also drive small business growth, creating jobs and fostering innovation across various sectors.

Q: What role do artists play in the immigration reform movement?

Artists play a crucial role in the immigration reform movement by using their platforms to raise awareness and inspire action. Visual artist JR and filmmaker Alejandro Inarritu create impactful works that humanize the immigrant experience, challenging stereotypes and encouraging public engagement with immigration issues.

Q: What is College Track and its purpose?

College Track, founded by Laurene Powell Jobs, is an organization dedicated to supporting first-generation college-bound students. It provides resources and guidance to help students navigate the college admission process, aiming to change the educational trajectory for students from underserved communities and address barriers such as immigration status.

Q: How does the tech industry benefit from immigration?

The tech industry benefits from immigration by accessing a diverse pool of talent that drives innovation and growth. Many tech companies, including startups and established firms, rely on skilled immigrants to fill specialized roles, contributing to technological advancements and maintaining the industry's competitive edge globally.

Q: What actions can the tech community take to support immigration reform?

The tech community can support immigration reform by advocating for policies that protect and empower immigrants, such as the DREAM Act. Industry leaders can use their influence to raise awareness, provide financial support for DACA renewals, and collaborate with organizations working towards comprehensive immigration solutions, ensuring the sector remains inclusive and diverse.

Summary

In this video, Ron Conway and Laurene Powell Jobs discuss how the tech community can become more involved in social issues, specifically focusing on immigration reform and the DREAM Act. They talk about their personal experiences with organizations like College Track and how they have seen the impact of immigration policies on students. They also highlight the important role that artists and cultural purveyors play in raising awareness and changing perspectives on these issues. They urge the audience to take action by contacting their representatives and supporting the DREAM Act and the DACA renewal fund.

Questions & Answers

Q: What inspired Laurene Powell Jobs to start College Track?

Laurene Powell Jobs started College Track because she visited a local high school and realized that many students were interested in attending college but hadn't taken the necessary courses or received guidance on the admission process. This was particularly true for first-generation American students who didn't have the resources or knowledge at home or in their community. Laurene decided to start College Track to provide support and opportunities for these students.

Q: How did College Track become involved in immigration reform?

Four years after starting College Track, Laurene Powell Jobs discovered that a significant number of her students didn't have social security numbers or legal documentation. They were undocumented and had no access to state or federal funding for their education. Recognizing the need for immigration reform, Laurene started advocating for the DREAM Act and gathering signatures to support it. This led to the introduction of the first DREAM Act in Congress.

Q: Why has immigration reform been a challenging issue to address?

Immigration reform has been a challenging issue because it often becomes a political football, with different parties and politicians prioritizing their own interests over the rights and voices of undocumented individuals. The lack of political power and resources of the affected individuals makes it easier for their rights to be overlooked. Additionally, passing comprehensive immigration reform requires bipartisan support, which has been difficult to achieve.

Q: How has President Trump's administration affected immigration policies?

President Trump's administration has made immigration a major issue, with the rescission of DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) being a notable example. DACA provided protected status for individuals who were brought to the U.S. as children, allowing them to work and access certain benefits. The rescission has increased awareness and urgency surrounding immigration issues, including the DREAM Act.

Q: Why is it important for the tech community to support immigration reform?

Immigrants have played a significant role in building and advancing the tech industry, with more than 40% of Fortune 500 companies being founded by immigrants and their children. The success and growth of the tech industry depend on attracting and retaining talent from around the world. Failing to support immigration reform would be economically detrimental to the industry and the country as a whole.

Q: How have artists contributed to raising awareness about immigration issues?

Artists, like visual artist JR and film director Alejandro Inarritu, have used their work to raise awareness and challenge perceptions about immigration. JR created powerful artwork, such as a giant crib-like structure near the U.S.-Mexico border, to make people rethink the purpose and impact of walls. Inarritu directed an immersive VR experience that allows participants to experience the fear and tension of a border crossing, humanizing the people affected by immigration policies. Artists like Davis Guggenheim have also made documentaries highlighting the experiences of Dreamers and the importance of the DREAM Act.

Q: How has Ron Conway been involved in supporting Dreamers?

Ron Conway has been involved in supporting Dreamers through his involvement with College Track and his collaboration with musician and entrepreneur will.i.am. Together, they started a College Track branch in Boyle Heights, Los Angeles, a community with many Dreamers. They integrated coding and robotics into the program and helped Dreamers pursue STEM majors. Ron Conway also emphasizes the need for support in renewing DACA status, including financial assistance for fees.

Q: What are some action items that individuals can take to support Dreamers?

One action item is to contact Congress, specifically Kevin McCarthy, the house leader, to urge the passage of the DREAM Act. This can be done by visiting the Emerson Collective Dreamers website and using a script provided to call McCarthy's office. Another action item is to contribute to the DACA renewal fund to help Dreamers afford the renewal fees. The fund has information on Dreamers who need support and individuals can contribute to their GoFundMe pages.

Takeaways

The tech community has a vital role to play in advocating for immigration reform and supporting DACA recipients and Dreamers. By raising awareness, engaging with artists, and taking action, individuals can help ensure that the rights and future of these individuals are protected. It is not only an economic imperative but also a matter of upholding the values and identity of the United States as a country that welcomes and embraces immigrants.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Laurene Powell Jobs and Ron Conway discuss the critical need for immigration reform, focusing on the DREAM Act, which seeks to protect young undocumented immigrants from deportation. They emphasize the tech industry's reliance on immigrant talent and urge viewers to contact legislators to support the act.

• The video highlights the economic contributions of immigrants, noting that over 40% of Fortune 500 companies were founded by immigrants or their children. Artists like JR and Alejandro Inarritu use their platforms to raise awareness about immigration issues, demonstrating the cultural impact of the movement.

• Viewers are encouraged to take action by contacting legislators and supporting DACA renewal funds. The speakers emphasize the urgency of the situation, given the Trump administration's rescission of DACA, and the need for public support to pass the DREAM Act.