At the close of a victorious 2011 legislative session, DREAMers were celebrating the long overdue passage of a Maryland tuition equity law for immigrant students. When the anti-immigrant opposition collected signatures to put the issue to a popular vote, CASA pulled together a strong coalition that launched a winning campaign. In November 2012 we made history when Maryland voters defended immigrant rights by majority vote for the first time in any state’s history. Not only did we win the Maryland DREAM referendum, we also built a fierce youth movement and permanent relationships with African-American organizations and voters that delivered a super-majority vote on Election Day. Our victory was not ours alone. From faith leaders to organized labor, teachers to elected officials, people pulled together to send Maryland and the nation a critical message: voters, put to the test, will support dignity for immigrant families. Because it is just and it is fair. “When I was little, my mother always fought for me to have a better life, and fighting for the DREAM Act was my way of making her proud by fighting for myself, for her, and for all the other DREAMers out there who have so much to give to our state.” – Cindy Kolade, Baltimore, MD “The Maryland DREAM Act is a dream come true. For me it means fairness and equality. Finally I can say I’m a Marylander; for once in my life I feel truly American.” - Ricky Campos, Silver Spring, MD CASA DE MARYLAND ANNUAL REPORT 2012
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