the american dream interrupted
A documentary film in the making. (Rough Cut Teaser)
Labeled as America’s worst nightmare, a Maryland family fights to overcome a broken immigration system in pursuit of the American Dream.
synopsis
The American Dream Interrupted follows a Maryland family caught in the shadows of America’s immigration system. Ivania, a U.S. citizen, and her husband Teito, who is undocumented, have spent over a decade building a life and raising three children, while living under the constant threat of separation.
When the pandemic hit, they were denied emergency relief, not because of income, but because of Teito’s status. A landmark MALDEF lawsuit later reversed that injustice, helping thousands of mixed-status families like theirs.
Now, after eleven years of marriage, Teito finally has the chance to seek permanent residency. But a 10-year reentry bar means he must return to Honduras to complete the process, a risky journey that could prevent him from coming back home. His departure, set just months before the 2024 presidential election, adds another layer of uncertainty.
Through their unwavering faith, love for community, and devotion to one another, the family embodies the very ideals the nation claims to stand for. The American Dream Interrupted reveals the human side of a debate too often shaped by politics, exposing how faith, family, and dignity can transcend division.
Director’s Statement
I’m making The American Dream Interrupted because I’m deeply troubled by the rhetoric used to divide us, rhetoric that manipulates the public and fuels fear around immigration. Through this film, I want to cut through that noise and show the truth: a family living out what it truly means to pursue the American dream.
Ivania and Teito are devout Christians raising three children in their own home, running a small business, and constantly giving back to others. They don’t fit the stereotypes often used to justify harsh immigration policies. Their story reveals the tension many believers face, when faith and compassion seem to align with one set of values, while political identity pulls toward another.
My goal is to bridge that divide and remind viewers that faith, family, and dignity are not political issues, they’re human ones.
Media Coverage
-
![Logo of The Washington Post in blackletter font on a white background]()
One family’s experience with the ‘unfair’ math of our country: Four U.S. citizens plus one who is not equals zero stimulus funds
May 13, 2020
-
![Telemundo logo with a stylized red T on a black background.]()
Familias mixtas demandan al gobierno por negarles cheques de estímulo
April 30, 2020
-
![Telemundo logo with a stylized red 'T' on a black background.]()
Familia explica cuál sería el impacto del bloqueo temporal del ‘Parole in Place’
August 28, 2024
-
![NBC logo with multicolored peacock feathers]()
Federal judge blocks policy helping undocumented spouses
August 27, 2024
-
![Text reading 'The Frederick News-Post' in black Gothic font.]()
RISE Coalition hosts caravan rally in Frederick for immigrant rights
May 15, 2021
-
![Logo for WFMD 930 Free Talk radio station with red and blue text and graphics.]()
Commission On Immigrant Affairs Formally Introduced To County Council
December 15, 2020
themes
faith vs. policy
Exploring the moral tension between Christian compassion and the political systems that criminalize or marginalize the very people those values should protect.
family & seperation
Highlighting the universal struggle of families fighting to stay together despite immigration laws that try to tear them apart.
the american dream
Challenging the myth of who deserves the “dream” by highlighting a family that lives its ideals, faith, hard work, and community, despite being excluded from it.
Love & sacrifice
A portrait of a marriage and a family tested by distance, sacrifice, and faith — reminding viewers that real love doesn’t give up when life gets hard.
identity & dignity
Affirming that a person’s worth isn’t defined by their papers, but by their actions, character, and contribution to their community.
Truth vs. Division
Unmasking how fear and misinformation are used to divide Americans — and showing how empathy and storytelling can bring people back together.
Meet the Team
-
Amelia Ross
Director
Amelia is an award-winning filmmaker, artist, and activist whose work bridges faith, justice, and storytelling. She earned Best Original Music at the 2025 72 Hour Film Festival in Frederick, Maryland, and received a CHESPRA Award of Excellence in 2020 for outstanding work in school communications. A 2016 University of Maryland Film Festival winner for Best Short Documentary, Best Advocacy Film, and Best Screenplay, Amelia holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from the University of Maryland. As founder of Nu Vizion Films, she creates purpose-driven stories that challenge division and affirm that through faith, all things are possible.
-
Xavier Jerome
Cinematographer/ Editor
Xavier is a filmmaker and editor specializing in cinematic storytelling through his production company, Wolph Studios. He has built a growing portfolio as a freelance videographer and creative editor, known for capturing authentic emotion and visual detail.
Currently, he is expanding his work into documentary filmmaking, focusing on short-form projects that explore real stories with depth and purpose. With a strong technical foundation and an eye for human connection, Xavier brings fresh perspective, dedication, and artistry to every project he takes on.
PARTNERSHIPS
ACLU of Maryland exists to empower Marylanders to exercise their rights so that the law values and uplifts their humanity.
The mission of the R.I.S.E. Coalition of Western Maryland is to serve, elevate and empower the immigrant community in Western Maryland. The Coalition will accomplish this by helping to further unite current efforts on the ground amongst diverse immigrant communities and their allied neighbors.
For decades, CASA has been advocating for legislative change in the Maryland General Assembly. CASA's policy team works to ensure that immigrant voices are heard and amplified in Annapolis. From annual lobby events with legislators, to tireless organizing efforts, CASA is committed to moving forward meaningful immigration reform in Maryland.
PRODUCTION TIMELINE
PRODUCTION TIMELINE
OCT – NOV 2025
Frederick, MD
During this phase, our team will continue principal photography for The American Dream Interrupted, focusing on the broader social and political context of immigration in Frederick, Maryland.
december 2025
Honduras
In December, our team will travel with the family to Honduras to capture the environment and community that shaped Teito’s early life and to better understand the realities driving migration from the region.
Jan – april 2026
Annapolis, MD
From January through April, our team will document the fight to end the 287(g) program, following local advocates from the ACLU and CASA as they travel to Annapolis to push for legislative change on behalf of immigrant families.
May 2026
Hagerstown, MD
In May, our team will complete final production for The American Dream Interrupted. This phase will focus on capturing the family’s reflections as their journey reaches a pivotal moment.
June – Aug 2026
Frederick, MD
From June through August, our team will focus on final post-production, locking in the story and refining the film’s emotional rhythm. During this phase, we will complete music integration, color correction, and sound design to bring the film to its finished form.
october 2026
Frederick, MD
In October, we plan to host a local premiere of The American Dream Interrupted in Frederick, Maryland, during the Hispanic Heritage Celebration.
get involved
-
Become a Supporter
-
Host a screening at your school, church, or organization.
-
Partner with us as an advocate or community collaborator.
-
For updates on screenings, releases, and new projects
Who This Film is For
Primary Audiences
-
Those directly impacted by U.S. immigration laws will see their truth reflected and their voices amplified.
-
Churches, pastors, and believers who are grappling with how faith, justice, and immigration intersect.
-
Activists, lawyers, and organizers working toward immigrant rights, policy change, and systemic reform.
-
College classrooms studying immigration, social justice, family studies, and American policy.
-
Viewers drawn to personal, purpose-driven storytelling with emotional depth and political relevance.
