In the wake of increasing ICE raids and the demonization of undocumented communities, The Talon is publishing a series of interviews with students who are either undocumented themselves or have family members who are. Ella is a pseudonym and has no connection to the student’s real identity. If you have a similar story that you would like to share, please fill out the form here.
Shannon: Could you just tell me a bit about your background?
Ella: Both of my parents immigrated from Mexico. I grew up with a bunch of culture around me, and I moved a lot growing up. But my parents have always shown me to embrace my culture and never be ashamed of who I am.
With President Trump recently coming into office, it’s been scary. My parents drive home from work sometimes and I get worried if they’re safe or not. I got my parents the red cards as soon as possible, because I told them, ‘You never know what would happen, because these people are dangerous.’ We always talk about inclusion and everyone being welcome here, but reality isn’t like that. It sucks because my parents work day and night to provide for me and my brother, and it’s hurtful to see immigrants not get the appreciation for the work they do.
Immigrants shouldn’t have to live in constant fear about not whether or not they’re ever going to see their kids again. If they’re going to get deported, and if they’re going to be able to see their children grow up and accomplish everything they sacrificed their life for.
Shannon: And how is your life different from those without undocumented immigrants?
Ella: I can’t trust certain people and tell them that my parents are undocumented, especially if they know my parents personally. My parents don’t speak English fluently. They can’t communicate. The only thing that they have is those little red cards and that’s it.
Shannon: How did you feel when you had to explain the red cards to your parents?
Ella: I don’t feel like that should be something that I should have to explain to them because we should be able to feel safe in this country. I was tearing up when I did give it to them, I couldn’t cry in front of them.
Shannon: How did you react to the Trump election in 2016, if you recall it?
Ella: I was six. I was sitting on the carpet and we were watching TV as a family. We were just talking and then it went really quiet, and my parents sent us back to our room. I didn’t understand because I was six years old. But then one of my teachers had to talk to us about it, telling us that school was a safe space. That has really stuck out to me because fearing about your parents being deported isn’t something any elementary school kid should go through.
And recently, I’ve seen horrible comments on social media about immigrants being aliens, calling them names, and saying racial slurs. I see my brother and I keep him away from social media because I know that he’s going to see those videos and see those comments. Immigrants go through those experiences every single day, and I wish that our generation would be more considerate on what they say about a bunch of things on social media. Constantly seeing clips about what President Trump is saying about immigrants is a sick feeling.
Shannon: If you could say one thing to people who might not be as informed on the realities of living as an undocumented immigrant, what would it be?
Ella: Educate yourself more on experiences that immigrants go through, and find resources that allow you to support them.
