The issue I chose to raise awareness of was the issue revolving around immigration. As someone who comes from an immigrant family, my immigrant roots deeply resonate with me. Both my mother and father migrated from the Dominican Republic to the United States during the 1990’s. Just like many other immigrants, my parents faced many struggles and sacrifices moving from the Dominican Republic. I could say that I have seen the challenges immigrants face such as leaving loved ones behind, getting used to unfamiliar systems, and trying to build new life in foreign land. On page 6, in “The Art of Activism” it quotes, “Visions of success are what get us up and out in the morning and what attract others to do the hard and necessary work with us” Visions of success whether they are dreams for ourselves, our families, or our communities are what push us to overcome challenges, especially when the path seems difficult or uncertain. For me, coming from an immigrant family the vision of success has always been creating a better future for others who face the same struggles.
The passion I have for immigration advocacy comes from the unique experiences immigrants are challenged by millions worldwide. Many immigrants endure difficult and stressful journeys only for them to encounter hostility and systemic barriers. Current and ongoing political debates often humanize the immigrants who have tried to make our society stronger and more diverse. Behind politics there are real people and families like mine who face adversity in their pursuit of a better life. Our current system not only dehumanizes immigrants but they also overlook their contributions and labor for our society. I am passionate about reform speeding up the process of immigration and getting them to the United States quicker. This could make the process more fair and more efficient. In my opinion, as a society we need more policies that would honor the natural right to migrate. Maricruz Ramierez says, “The first step to bringing about change for undocumented immigrants is for immigrants to step out of the shadows and tell their stories.” Not only would this make immigrants treated more respectfully but it would also keep their hopes of having a new life that are met with opportunity.
(Photographs taken of my car with monarch butterflies.)
(Side by Side of my car and the Undocubus)
In 2012, there were several individuals who rode what was called “Undocubus” as it was protesting for the protection of immigrants. It was driven all across some parts in the United States. The “Undocubus” was a powerful symbol of challenging immigration rights and it served as inspiration for my intervention. I decided to pay homage to the Undocubus by drawing a variety of monarch butterflies, making cutouts, and then pasting them onto my car. My cousin, who is a photographer, took photos before I drove around his neighborhood on McAdoo Ave in Jersey City. Monarch butterflies truly have a strong connection and representation to immigrants, as they cross borders out of necessity, seek protection and survival, and symbolizes the natural right to move freely for a pursuit of a better life.
Undocumented Immigrants Plan Protests at the Democratic National Convention - Feet in 2 Worlds
No comments:
Post a Comment