Hello everyone! I am sure most of you all have never even heard of me and that is okay! So, I am Cristal. The reason I chose to enter this course is because I wanted to explore more in depth the meaning of being an immigrant. My parents both immigrated here and thank goodness, mostly luck, they were able to obtain their residency status and later became US Citizens.
I know that most of us take our legal status for granted. That is okay. It is okay, and a relief, not to have to worry about whether you are allowed to live in this country or not. The reason most people do not think about that issue is because most do not understand the true burden that comes with being an immigrant. There are burdens that most did not ask for and society is demanding explanations. Some of these explanations include, “why are you here?”, “why don’t you go back if the US treats you so bad?”, “you are taking away our jobs” etc etc. The list is endless.
Now I do not blame people for not knowing the subject matter. I have studied the immigration statues and not even I, nor most immigration attorneys, know what exactly it says or much less means. You see, the immigration system is in the eye of the beholder. The system is made so broad that all is permitted in the name of the law. Now, I understand laws and regulations change overtime however, it seems that the immigration system is the only one that has remained static for the past one hundred years.
I will continuously update you all on what this course will bring. However, for today I am in the course to give the voiceless a voice, the deaf a way to listen, and the ignorant a way to be educated. The most important reason I entered this course is the latter. What family you were born into and the privilege that entails or denies you is completely out of your reach however, ignorance can and should be addressed. Ignorance or living in the state of ignorance is a choice that each person makes and in the issue of immigration; ignorance is the difference between having your father, mother, sister, brother with you or deported.
Loved the candidness yet at the same time compassion of this post. It’d be great to hear more in future posts about the nuances of immigration law you refer to!
Hello Crystal!
Your post sheds important insight into the pervasiveness of our nation’s deep-seated xenophobia and nativism. Our immigration policies have unfortunately been built upon these toxic ideals, and it’s unspeakably essential to have passionate individuals such as yourself fighting against harmful narratives and highlighting the voices of marginalized immigrants. In the face of discriminatory rhetoric and the politics of exceptionalism, I believe your vehemence to be a key step toward bringing effective change.
* Cristal
I think your family history is a powerful motivator for continuing your education in this subject field. Further, I believe, due to your prior study of immigration policy, you will make a knowledgeable student resource in a class full of diverse histories, experiences, and skillsets. I completely agree with your assessment on one’s decision to live in ignorance. Yet, in my lifetime I have struggled with the following question: what is the best way to communicate with/educate ignorant people? Ignorance is a difficult phenomena to root out, especially on a hot button topic such as immigration. I am excited to attempt to answer that question with this oral history project and to continue working with you throughout the course.
I’m glad you’re here to educate on the complex topic of immigration. Having a family connection with the topic, as well as your area of study will be a great asset to the world, as well as your classmates. There is a documentary on Netflix called “Undocumented” that I feel provides a great example of how complex immigration can be.
Since the system is so broad, does that mean there is more room for loopholes? Or does it just depend on who’s interpreting the context of the situation?
I am so glad you brought up this question, Megan. So, the system being so broad can be a good thing. Only recently has there actually been known immigration appeals cases that have allowed some immigrants to stay in the US. However, with this broad system, as we see in the political spectrum we live in today, it can only take three steps back. Now, there has seems to be a higher push to send the immigrants back to their home countries rather than allow for them to stay, regardless of their family needs.
Cristal, that was a powerful video to embed and I appreciate that, as well as your personal story as it relates to immigration. Thank you for sharing. I look forward to experiencing this course through your project and your particular perspective.