Support Raúl Staying in the US
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¡Hola! My name is Raul Contreras. I’m a Mexican dancer from Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, currently living in New York City on an "O-1 Visa." I came here in 2018 to dance in the world renowned company, Ballet Hispanico. Since then I’ve been offered some pretty great jobs...a Broadway show, a summer dance institute, some regional theatre...
But as you know, the dance and theatre industry has been on lockdown for over a year. Artists on an “O-1 Visa” are not allowed to work in any other industry but the one approved on their application. That means I haven't been able to work since March, 2020.
And now my Visa is expiring.
I came here to dance, to teach, to broaden my horizons as an artist, and to contribute to the culture of an industry that lives and breathes in New York City. But they make it difficult:
$460 to the Dept. of Homeland Security
$2500 for the application and processing
$500 for a union advisor
$4500 to an immigration lawyer
$1000 fee for a change in status
In total, $8,960 for an Artist Visa. This is what they require of those who come from impoverished countries, seeking a better life.
I need your help.
I was raised in a small house - two bedrooms, one bathroom. There were six of us. I never had my own bed, or new clothes. Every penny was saved to afford me an education, and a better life in America. Since being here, I’ve been fortunate enough to give back. I buy birthday cakes for my mother who would never treat herself otherwise. I cover my nephew’s tuition that my sister can’t afford. The American dollar goes a long way in Mexico. But unfortunately, these days I’ve had to save it for myself.
I know theatre and dance will come back in a big way. I’ll be back onstage doing what I was put on this Earth to do. And I’ll be comfortable once again, earning and saving for my future.
But first, I have to renew my Visa.
With your contribution, you’ll be making a better life for myself, and my family. You’ll not only be contributing to one hopeful Mexican boy’s career, but to a community of people who, like me, are fighting for a brighter future. On my darkest days, I think about my family. And I never give up.
It’s been a hard year for everyone, so I humbly ask you give only what you can. Even the smallest donation means the world to me. And spread the word! Sharing on social media is a great way to help out.
Thank you for taking the time to learn a little bit about me. I’m grateful for you, and I promise I won’t let you down.
Sincerely,
Raúl
But as you know, the dance and theatre industry has been on lockdown for over a year. Artists on an “O-1 Visa” are not allowed to work in any other industry but the one approved on their application. That means I haven't been able to work since March, 2020.
And now my Visa is expiring.
I came here to dance, to teach, to broaden my horizons as an artist, and to contribute to the culture of an industry that lives and breathes in New York City. But they make it difficult:
$460 to the Dept. of Homeland Security
$2500 for the application and processing
$500 for a union advisor
$4500 to an immigration lawyer
$1000 fee for a change in status
In total, $8,960 for an Artist Visa. This is what they require of those who come from impoverished countries, seeking a better life.
I need your help.
I was raised in a small house - two bedrooms, one bathroom. There were six of us. I never had my own bed, or new clothes. Every penny was saved to afford me an education, and a better life in America. Since being here, I’ve been fortunate enough to give back. I buy birthday cakes for my mother who would never treat herself otherwise. I cover my nephew’s tuition that my sister can’t afford. The American dollar goes a long way in Mexico. But unfortunately, these days I’ve had to save it for myself.
I know theatre and dance will come back in a big way. I’ll be back onstage doing what I was put on this Earth to do. And I’ll be comfortable once again, earning and saving for my future.
But first, I have to renew my Visa.
With your contribution, you’ll be making a better life for myself, and my family. You’ll not only be contributing to one hopeful Mexican boy’s career, but to a community of people who, like me, are fighting for a brighter future. On my darkest days, I think about my family. And I never give up.
It’s been a hard year for everyone, so I humbly ask you give only what you can. Even the smallest donation means the world to me. And spread the word! Sharing on social media is a great way to help out.
Thank you for taking the time to learn a little bit about me. I’m grateful for you, and I promise I won’t let you down.
Sincerely,
Raúl
Organizer
Raul Contreras
Organizer
New York, NY