In an effort to encourage greater appreciation for undocumented immigrant workers, many of whom are working on the frontlines of COVID-19 in critical industries, Immigration law firm Herman Legal Group is sponsoring this Essay Contest. 

Applicants must be undocumented immigrant (which includes DACA recipients (“Dreamers”) working in an essential occupation. Applicants must write an essay of at least 300 words, in any language, answering this question: “What do you think of when you hear the word ‘Immigrant'”?

“We are hoping that this contest inspires members of the undocumented community, at this unique moment in history, to share their personal feelings about being an immigrant who contributes to the well-being of the United States, who has deep ties to the United States, who may have U.S. citizen children or other family members, and yet has no legal pathway to normalize their immigration status,” said a press release.

The winner of the contest will receive $1,000. Those judging the essay are looking for originality, responsiveness to the question, quality writing and substantive content of the response.

Applicants can submit their essay to immigrantstrongUSA@gmail.com by Aug. 1, 2020. The winner will be announced Sept. 1, 2020.

The law firm will also publish some of the non-winning essays to start a conversation about immigration.