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To the State of the Good Life Logo

An American's Dream

TO THE STATE OF THE GOOD LIFE is an intimate exploration of the American Dream through the eyes of Raúl Arcos Hawkins, a stalwart community leader and DACA recipient in Grand Island, Nebraska. Amidst the turbulence of a nation’s debate, over 600,000 individuals like Raúl face the harrowing prospect of losing their status and being deported.

“Very promising and innovative project with strong emotional and cultural potential. Loved it!” Latin Public Broadcasting

Thanks to a generous anonymous donation, this film is available at no cost for organizations supporting refugees across the country. You can host a local event to promote your services, recruit volunteers, and fundraise. The film provides a respectful platform to discuss upcoming challenges, regardless of election outcomes. Additionally, it comes with a media kit to help market your event effectively.

Norwalk Film Festival 1/10/25

Winter Virtual Screening with Nebraska Appleseed 1/21/25 @ 6:45 Central Time

See it at Welcoming Interactive, 5/20/25 in Detroit

WELCOMING INTERACTIVE: 5/20/25 in DETROIT!

“I have a responsibility as a leader in my community, to make people aware of the great opportunities that this country offers you. I wouldn’t be here if those opportunities didn’t exist, that’s how much I love this country.”
Raúl Arcos Hawkins
Excecutive Director, Multicultural Coalition
DACA Recipient
Grand Island, Nebraska

Support DACA Recipients

The film delves into Raúl's journey, illustrating the pressure that comes with such uncertainty, while also highlighting his contributions to society as a taxpayer and embodiment of the work ethic that has long defined the United States. This poignant narrative weaves Raúl's personal aspirations with the collective anxiety of Dreamers across the country, capturing their hope for a legislative solution that would afford them the citizenship they rightfully deserve.
Raul 1st Grade Location
Raúl, 2nd Grade School Photo
Raul as a child at home 19XX Location
Raúl, Idaho, 1991

Make a Difference

There is still time to influence the conversation. Stand with Raúl and countless others by taking action today:

• Amplify their voices by sharing his story,
• Champion policy reform,
• Attend a screening,
• or donate to our allied nonprofits (see below).

Your involvement can bring change.

#RaúlsJourney #DACAvoices #DACAStories #DefendDACA #VoicesofDreamers #ToTheStateoftheGoodLife

Contact Our Partner Organizations Leading the Charge

We are partnering with these organizations dedicated to aiding DACA recipients and those committed to raising awareness and advocacy.
Our collective efforts aim to amplify the voices of Dreamers like Raúl, sharing their stories and struggles on a larger stage. If you're an organization that helps immigrants, catch us at Welcoming Interactive in Detroit. Raul and Christa will be there, and together we will walk you through how to use the film and our promotional materials to hold your own local events.

Thanks to a generous anonymous donation, this film and associated materials are free to organizations.

National Organizations:

Nebraska-based Organizations:

Other US Organizations

“Services for immigrants are overrun, wait times are long, too many organizations including the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) are underfunded and understaffed.”
Christa Yoakum
Senior Welcoming Coordinator 
Immigrants & Communities 
Nebraska Appleseed

Creative Forces Behind the Lens

Raúl Arcos Hawkins is the executive director of the Multicultural Coalition. The Coalition is pivotal in resettling refugees in Grand Island, Nebraska, providing comprehensive services to help them gain a solid footing in their new environment.”TO THE STATE OF THE GOOD LIFE” narrates Raúl’s story.

Robert Steven Williams is the producer and director of the project, and has worked across film, literature, and music. His previous documentary “Gatsby in Connecticut” was selected by The New Yorker as one of the best movies of 2020.  He’s also collaborated with such esteemed not-for-profits as the Paul Newman founded Safe Water Network and the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

Jim Swaffield is a cinematographer and editor known for his work with icons such as Will Smith and A Tribe Called Quest.

Christa Yoakum serves as a Senior Welcoming Coordinator for Nebraska Appleseed and contributed as a film advisor. Her insights into the present-day realities of DACA recipients were important, as was her role in connecting the film with active partners in the DACA advocacy and support space.