About three weeks ago I found myself puzzled as I finished answering an evaluation after attending an event. As I came across the question of "What is your race?" I was stopped on my tracks suddenly. My choices were White, Black, Asian, Pacific Islander, Native American or Other.
Not being able to answer any of those choices, I am Mexican. My father was light skinned and my mother is brown skin. But yet my brain could not conjecture a picture of me as any of those choices above, all I could think of was "but I'm brown and that is not a choice". So, at the risk of being thought of as ignorant or plain irrational I left the question blank.
On my way to work, though, it suddenly hit me that this terminology about race and illegal is something the majority uses as a way to control and manipulate any discussion about some form of equality.
Being foreign born, my brain does not simply separate people based on color. Yes, we have social classes in Mexico but not, we don't think some of us are more Mexican than others. When I think of Raza as some nativist condemn the word as being racially inflamatory, I think of family and people I relate to but never implying we are better than others.
Illegal is another term that implies an action. Smoking is illegal, drinking while driving is illegal. The fact of "being" is not. How can someone be characterized and defined as such simply by being. This is not fair especially for DREAMers, who the majority of them had not direct responsibility for being or growing up here and thus would not qualify under the term illegal, since it seems to convey a direct action or behavior.
All in all, let's not forget we are talking about quantifying, categorizing and labeling human beings. If history serves us right, doing this only leads to bad consequences.
So, next time someone uses a word loosely such as race or illegal, ask them what they mean? And demand to be explained in detail why are they defining someone as such.
Spread the word about dropping the I and the R words.
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
21 years and nothing
When I first met Mario, he was barely walking. His parents had arrived from Mexico about a year before I met them, joining his father's siblings and mother. At last, Mario's family was finally reunited once again. Mario's uncle and I were taking GED classes at a junior college. His uncle has been a great friend and confidant during all these years. For reasons of destiny, if I may call this, my friend, Mario's uncle relocated to Europe, only to experience the immigrant's nightmare all over again with a foreigner's accent.
I took the GED examination and enrolled in ESL classes at the same junior college. Mario started attending pre-k at a local elementary school. At first glance, one could see that Mario was an inquisitive and remarkably intelligent boy. He was a loner, but his isolation often led to find out things for himself and questioning how things worked. He also enjoyed reading a lot.
I then enrolled in college credit classes. I started to get worried, because back then, I didn't have a social security number and my concern was to get the credit I deserved for my education. We were assigned a number, generated by the school. I now admired the person who advocated before me, allowing us immigrants to get ahead in college despite lacking a status.
At the same time this was happening, Mario started elementary school. His parents were often proud by his teacher's comments and frequent remarks about how intelligent he was. Mario easily excelled in most subjects. His academic capabilities were remarkable. His teachers recommended his parents to transfer him out to a smaller, more challenging school. They listened.
I graduated with my associates, took a year off from school and returned to a Bachelor's program in a public university. My first chance at getting a merit tuition waiver, was shot down because I could not prove I was a citizen. That didn't stop me. I had come too far to get down on red tape barriers. It had take a long time when I finally graduated from the Bachelor's program with honors. I often visited Mario's family, staying in touch as much as possible.
Mario had finished elementary school and was recommended, once again by his teachers to be registered a a private middle school in the suburbs of Chicago. Getting into school was not an issue, getting there everyday was sort of a struggle due to the distance.
I started working in social work. I took another year off before returning to a three year, part time Master's program. At this point, I had an ss number but managed to pay most of my tuition and getting some merit tuition waver provided by the school.
Almost 21 years have passed. I have been practicing in my field for about three years now. Mario is a junior in one of the most challenging and prestigious high schools in Chicago. Undoubtedly, he has mastered at least two foreign languages. He is an honor's student and has also mastered the violin. But more surprisingly, he managed to make other like minded friends along the way. He has benefited from being part of a highly challenging academic environment.
I'm still in immigrant limbo and Mario is about to face the worst nightmare any student who has grown up and lived here endures. He will soon find out that his ability to join an ivy league school are not dependent anymore on his intellectual capabilities. Instead, Mario will have to face the immigration nightmare thousands of students are advocating for, fighting for the DREAM of their life.
This is a one in a lifetime event. I'm glad I have been a friend and hopefully source of advocacy for Mario. The nightmare has been endured long enough. It's time for change. It's time for the Mario's of the US to bring about what was promised to them.
I took the GED examination and enrolled in ESL classes at the same junior college. Mario started attending pre-k at a local elementary school. At first glance, one could see that Mario was an inquisitive and remarkably intelligent boy. He was a loner, but his isolation often led to find out things for himself and questioning how things worked. He also enjoyed reading a lot.
I then enrolled in college credit classes. I started to get worried, because back then, I didn't have a social security number and my concern was to get the credit I deserved for my education. We were assigned a number, generated by the school. I now admired the person who advocated before me, allowing us immigrants to get ahead in college despite lacking a status.
At the same time this was happening, Mario started elementary school. His parents were often proud by his teacher's comments and frequent remarks about how intelligent he was. Mario easily excelled in most subjects. His academic capabilities were remarkable. His teachers recommended his parents to transfer him out to a smaller, more challenging school. They listened.
I graduated with my associates, took a year off from school and returned to a Bachelor's program in a public university. My first chance at getting a merit tuition waiver, was shot down because I could not prove I was a citizen. That didn't stop me. I had come too far to get down on red tape barriers. It had take a long time when I finally graduated from the Bachelor's program with honors. I often visited Mario's family, staying in touch as much as possible.
Mario had finished elementary school and was recommended, once again by his teachers to be registered a a private middle school in the suburbs of Chicago. Getting into school was not an issue, getting there everyday was sort of a struggle due to the distance.
I started working in social work. I took another year off before returning to a three year, part time Master's program. At this point, I had an ss number but managed to pay most of my tuition and getting some merit tuition waver provided by the school.
Almost 21 years have passed. I have been practicing in my field for about three years now. Mario is a junior in one of the most challenging and prestigious high schools in Chicago. Undoubtedly, he has mastered at least two foreign languages. He is an honor's student and has also mastered the violin. But more surprisingly, he managed to make other like minded friends along the way. He has benefited from being part of a highly challenging academic environment.
I'm still in immigrant limbo and Mario is about to face the worst nightmare any student who has grown up and lived here endures. He will soon find out that his ability to join an ivy league school are not dependent anymore on his intellectual capabilities. Instead, Mario will have to face the immigration nightmare thousands of students are advocating for, fighting for the DREAM of their life.
This is a one in a lifetime event. I'm glad I have been a friend and hopefully source of advocacy for Mario. The nightmare has been endured long enough. It's time for change. It's time for the Mario's of the US to bring about what was promised to them.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Future
Well folks, it's been three months since my last post and I have to say, many things have changed since.
As of now, I'm looking forward to my wedding in April, yeah!!!
The immigration movement or lack of continues to struggle. Despite what we are witnessing across the world, where the people have taken over the streets demanding their rights. Here in the US, we simply take everything for granted. The immigration movement has flare ups here and there but lacks that cohesiveness which ultimately will send the right message to those in power.
Two weeks ago I was sickened to learn that a hospital (wrongly named) Christ Advocate, blatantly and without absolute regard, transported back to Mexico a quadriplegic immigrant who was injured at a construction site during work. But since no one was able to pay for his care, the hospital decided to pay a company to air lift him all the way to Oaxaca, Mexico. When things like these happen, I am ashamed to call my self human. Everything is lost. We have lost our human values over money and greed.
As of now, I'm looking forward to my wedding in April, yeah!!!
The immigration movement or lack of continues to struggle. Despite what we are witnessing across the world, where the people have taken over the streets demanding their rights. Here in the US, we simply take everything for granted. The immigration movement has flare ups here and there but lacks that cohesiveness which ultimately will send the right message to those in power.
Two weeks ago I was sickened to learn that a hospital (wrongly named) Christ Advocate, blatantly and without absolute regard, transported back to Mexico a quadriplegic immigrant who was injured at a construction site during work. But since no one was able to pay for his care, the hospital decided to pay a company to air lift him all the way to Oaxaca, Mexico. When things like these happen, I am ashamed to call my self human. Everything is lost. We have lost our human values over money and greed.
Monday, December 13, 2010
Freaking cold and hypocrite Politicians.
I'm tired. I'm officially tired of waiting for a DREAM to come true. I'm tired of damn politicians wager on my future. I'm tired of hoping and waiting for someone other than myself decide what's best for me. But most of all, I'm tired of these damn, cold, winters in Chicago.
To all the hypocrites and pundits on FOX TV et all, I'm tired of your scare tactics and b.s. I didn't just happened to get up from my behind one day and say, " well, today I feel like leaving my beautiful, colonial city, the nice and cozy weather from all year round and I will leave to the frozen winters in America." "Yes, why don't I do just that today?" To anybody who has a brain, these argument would not make any sense at all. For it's the fact of migration fueled by economic policies to the advantage of Americans which led me, as well as millions of others, to pick and leave our nations relocating here.
Way before I could even utter a word, my father struggled to find work. He worked in mines, in the field, and he even tried a shot a starting a business. Needless to say, nothing worked out for him. Money was always an issue, and at the time, as has been the case since it's creation, American economic policies dictated what happened in much of Latin American and Mexico.
In the 1970's Mexico was struggling economically as well as socially. Student movements and guerrillas were keeping the government occupied. The so-called democratic government which ruled Mexico for 70 years was wasting all its resources in persecuting and "extinguishing" people. Without a doubt, any money and training was being provided by the American government.
And so unable to find stable work for a long time, my father decided to leave our family and move to New York. The year was 1978, and I was 3 years old.
So, how the hell do Republicans, anti-immigration bigots, and radical pundits dare to tell me to "get in line." "Do it the right way!" "Play by the rules!" And decry that DREAMers are getting a "free ride".
Screw them, I say. I have been screwed with for so long. You reap what you have sown. And guess what? The DREAM Act is only the beginning of what you are about to see in regards to immigration reform. No longer will you be able to get away with damaging the futures of thousands of youth and families.
Those same youth you are turning your back against now, will be the same who will have you ousted from your Senate and House seat. Payback will be a bitc# then. Because what Republican'ts and Democrant's can't do, DREAMers will.
To all the hypocrites and pundits on FOX TV et all, I'm tired of your scare tactics and b.s. I didn't just happened to get up from my behind one day and say, " well, today I feel like leaving my beautiful, colonial city, the nice and cozy weather from all year round and I will leave to the frozen winters in America." "Yes, why don't I do just that today?" To anybody who has a brain, these argument would not make any sense at all. For it's the fact of migration fueled by economic policies to the advantage of Americans which led me, as well as millions of others, to pick and leave our nations relocating here.
Way before I could even utter a word, my father struggled to find work. He worked in mines, in the field, and he even tried a shot a starting a business. Needless to say, nothing worked out for him. Money was always an issue, and at the time, as has been the case since it's creation, American economic policies dictated what happened in much of Latin American and Mexico.
In the 1970's Mexico was struggling economically as well as socially. Student movements and guerrillas were keeping the government occupied. The so-called democratic government which ruled Mexico for 70 years was wasting all its resources in persecuting and "extinguishing" people. Without a doubt, any money and training was being provided by the American government.
And so unable to find stable work for a long time, my father decided to leave our family and move to New York. The year was 1978, and I was 3 years old.
So, how the hell do Republicans, anti-immigration bigots, and radical pundits dare to tell me to "get in line." "Do it the right way!" "Play by the rules!" And decry that DREAMers are getting a "free ride".
Screw them, I say. I have been screwed with for so long. You reap what you have sown. And guess what? The DREAM Act is only the beginning of what you are about to see in regards to immigration reform. No longer will you be able to get away with damaging the futures of thousands of youth and families.
Those same youth you are turning your back against now, will be the same who will have you ousted from your Senate and House seat. Payback will be a bitc# then. Because what Republican'ts and Democrant's can't do, DREAMers will.
Monday, November 22, 2010
Coming out Part II
In April this year, I wrote an entry about my legal status in the U.S.A. As I mentioned in that earlier post, even though I have a social security number, I am still in legal limbo. I'm not a "legal" resident or citizen, and I have been waiting on the so called "line" for almost 10 years. The wait is not over.
This post is for the people who know me or have gotten to know me for the past 20 years I've been living in this country.
Ever since I set foot in this nation, I worked in the restaurant industry. Two weeks after I arrived in New York, in 1990, I started working as a dishwasher. From that point on, restaurants became an easy and familiar way to make a living. Whether working as a dishwasher, busboy, server, or host, I always felt some sort of economic security and stability.
All together, I worked in the service industry for about 15 years. Along the way I met many interesting people and I developed long term friendships, some of which I still keep in touch to this day. To those remarkable people that came across my life, I dedicate this.
While you may have met me as a host, server or busboy many years ago, I now have a clinical license in social work. That means I put myself through college and graduate school, getting a degree and taking additional licensure exams in order to arrive at where I am today. Today, I enjoy my career everyday, helping children and families address their concerns. I advocate and empower individuals and educate families to reach stability.
But this entry is not about me. What this is about is, the DREAM Act. (The Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors Act of 2009 (S. 729).
"Each year, approximately 65,000 undocumented students graduate from high school, many at the top of their classes, but cannot go to college, join the military, work, or otherwise pursue their dreams. They belong to the 1.5 generation—any (first generation) immigrants brought to the United States at a young age who were largely raised in this country and therefore share much in common with second generation Americans. These students are culturally American, growing up here and often having little attachment to their country of birth. They tend to be bicultural and fluent in English. Many don’t even know that they are undocumented immigrants until they apply for a driver’s license or college, and then learn they lack Social Security numbers and other necessary legal documents. "
You see, I'm a DREAMer. When I decided to enroll in a GED program at Truman College, I did not have a social security. It was not until about half way in my Bachelor's program at NEIU that I was able to obtain a SS number, only to find out that using it would set me apart, in a different part of the cage, but still in the cage nonetheless.
The DREAM Act has been brought up in Congress twice already. Unfortunately, both times it was defeated by small margins due to political tactics that don't go beyond pragmatism, and solve nothing in the end. Sen. McCain has supported, then vote against it, and who knows what he will do when it comes up again in the near future.
While I would like to say that this is an attempt for me to finally resolve my legal status, see, I'm 35 years old, and in the text in the DREAM Act Bill, the cut-off age for any one benefiting from it is 35 years old. I'm really doing this for all the youth risking their freedom and lives in sit-in protests in Arizona, California and D.C. and hunger strikes. Already this year the DREAM Act was defeated even before coming to a vote, two weeks before the Nov. 2nd elections. Now, Sen. Harry Reid, and House Majority leader, Nancy Pelosi have promised again to bring it up for a vote on Nov. 29th during the "lame duck" session of Congress.
I'm a pleading to you, all. I want you to please give young DREAMers a chance. Just like when you met me along my journey, hopefully you could see and evaluate me through my character. Young DREAMers do this everyday. They work hard in their communities. They protest the status quo. And they deserve a chance that politicians aren't giving them in Washington today.
Please familiarize yourself with the DREAM Act and encourage others to do it as well. Supporting it may make the difference for the DREAMers who will get us out of this economic mess, and the next generation of doctors, professors, scientists or social workers (look at me!). Feel free to use me as an example. DREAMers are not bad people like populist and conservative pundits want to make people believe. It is a little late for me, but seeing what other young people are doing nowadays, standing up for freedom and justice really stirs up some emotions. Please do it for my sister who has began her career in child development, for a friend who is on his way to obtaining his PhD, for my friend's son who is enrolled in one of the top two high schools in Chicago. But most importantly, do it because it's the morally right thing to do. I wish I could educate everyone about this issue, but knowing you and also knowing the power of the internet, I know you can all help me too.
Take Action! Call your state's representatives and Senators urging them to support the DREAM Act. Urge others to call as well. The more people call and awareness we raise throughout state lines, the better chances the bill has to pass.
Thanks for reading this.
Nacho
This post is for the people who know me or have gotten to know me for the past 20 years I've been living in this country.
Ever since I set foot in this nation, I worked in the restaurant industry. Two weeks after I arrived in New York, in 1990, I started working as a dishwasher. From that point on, restaurants became an easy and familiar way to make a living. Whether working as a dishwasher, busboy, server, or host, I always felt some sort of economic security and stability.
All together, I worked in the service industry for about 15 years. Along the way I met many interesting people and I developed long term friendships, some of which I still keep in touch to this day. To those remarkable people that came across my life, I dedicate this.
While you may have met me as a host, server or busboy many years ago, I now have a clinical license in social work. That means I put myself through college and graduate school, getting a degree and taking additional licensure exams in order to arrive at where I am today. Today, I enjoy my career everyday, helping children and families address their concerns. I advocate and empower individuals and educate families to reach stability.
But this entry is not about me. What this is about is, the DREAM Act. (The Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors Act of 2009 (S. 729).
"Each year, approximately 65,000 undocumented students graduate from high school, many at the top of their classes, but cannot go to college, join the military, work, or otherwise pursue their dreams. They belong to the 1.5 generation—any (first generation) immigrants brought to the United States at a young age who were largely raised in this country and therefore share much in common with second generation Americans. These students are culturally American, growing up here and often having little attachment to their country of birth. They tend to be bicultural and fluent in English. Many don’t even know that they are undocumented immigrants until they apply for a driver’s license or college, and then learn they lack Social Security numbers and other necessary legal documents. "
You see, I'm a DREAMer. When I decided to enroll in a GED program at Truman College, I did not have a social security. It was not until about half way in my Bachelor's program at NEIU that I was able to obtain a SS number, only to find out that using it would set me apart, in a different part of the cage, but still in the cage nonetheless.
The DREAM Act has been brought up in Congress twice already. Unfortunately, both times it was defeated by small margins due to political tactics that don't go beyond pragmatism, and solve nothing in the end. Sen. McCain has supported, then vote against it, and who knows what he will do when it comes up again in the near future.
While I would like to say that this is an attempt for me to finally resolve my legal status, see, I'm 35 years old, and in the text in the DREAM Act Bill, the cut-off age for any one benefiting from it is 35 years old. I'm really doing this for all the youth risking their freedom and lives in sit-in protests in Arizona, California and D.C. and hunger strikes. Already this year the DREAM Act was defeated even before coming to a vote, two weeks before the Nov. 2nd elections. Now, Sen. Harry Reid, and House Majority leader, Nancy Pelosi have promised again to bring it up for a vote on Nov. 29th during the "lame duck" session of Congress.
I'm a pleading to you, all. I want you to please give young DREAMers a chance. Just like when you met me along my journey, hopefully you could see and evaluate me through my character. Young DREAMers do this everyday. They work hard in their communities. They protest the status quo. And they deserve a chance that politicians aren't giving them in Washington today.
Please familiarize yourself with the DREAM Act and encourage others to do it as well. Supporting it may make the difference for the DREAMers who will get us out of this economic mess, and the next generation of doctors, professors, scientists or social workers (look at me!). Feel free to use me as an example. DREAMers are not bad people like populist and conservative pundits want to make people believe. It is a little late for me, but seeing what other young people are doing nowadays, standing up for freedom and justice really stirs up some emotions. Please do it for my sister who has began her career in child development, for a friend who is on his way to obtaining his PhD, for my friend's son who is enrolled in one of the top two high schools in Chicago. But most importantly, do it because it's the morally right thing to do. I wish I could educate everyone about this issue, but knowing you and also knowing the power of the internet, I know you can all help me too.
Take Action! Call your state's representatives and Senators urging them to support the DREAM Act. Urge others to call as well. The more people call and awareness we raise throughout state lines, the better chances the bill has to pass.
Thanks for reading this.
Nacho
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Speak Up on Nov. 2nd.
It's hard being an undocumented immigrant in the United States, and pretty much elsewhere at this day and age. It's horribly hard being an undocumented immigrant even more during election time. This means every two years, I have to get used to the notion that people that look like me, will be used as fear-inducing political toys on ads aired over and over again on TV, Radio and Internet.
Every time the bar seems to be lowered and lowered again by political adversaries riding on the fears of American voters, primarily Caucasian.
Take a look a this add talked about on Countdown with Keith Olberman:
I must add that Sharron Angle does not scare me or intimidate me with her "approved" tactics. If anything, I pity her for her lack of judgment and empathy. Such people lead hollow and unfulfilled lives. What I'm afraid of, is the human cost these advertising has on the everyday lives of hard working immigrants.
What amazes me, and is not surprising that, is 2010. We are a global community. We are connected worldwide and instead on focusing on the things we share in common, politicians continue to instill fear and prey on it for their own gain.
Honestly, it's tiring, demoralizing and dehumanizing to even think there are people out there who will bite the bait and continue to build barriers that keep us "separated but equal".
We have not come far from the age when people living together lacked basic civil rights.
So, come November 2nd. use your vote as the voice of reason, because as undocumented individuals, we are continuously silenced about our wants and needs.
Every time the bar seems to be lowered and lowered again by political adversaries riding on the fears of American voters, primarily Caucasian.
Take a look a this add talked about on Countdown with Keith Olberman:
I must add that Sharron Angle does not scare me or intimidate me with her "approved" tactics. If anything, I pity her for her lack of judgment and empathy. Such people lead hollow and unfulfilled lives. What I'm afraid of, is the human cost these advertising has on the everyday lives of hard working immigrants.
What amazes me, and is not surprising that, is 2010. We are a global community. We are connected worldwide and instead on focusing on the things we share in common, politicians continue to instill fear and prey on it for their own gain.
Honestly, it's tiring, demoralizing and dehumanizing to even think there are people out there who will bite the bait and continue to build barriers that keep us "separated but equal".
We have not come far from the age when people living together lacked basic civil rights.
So, come November 2nd. use your vote as the voice of reason, because as undocumented individuals, we are continuously silenced about our wants and needs.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
"Afuera no te cuido solo adentro"
Last night as I struggled to fall asleep, I couldn't help but think about a distant future. As I thought about it, I wondered how it would feel. You know, the notion of being totally and completely free!
There are moments in which hope abandons me. It doesn't happen frequently, but occasionally it does. Most of the time I get caught up in the day to day, life cycle; that I even forget I'm in a giant cell to begin with.
Last night, as I wandered through the space in between conscious and subconsciousness,I thought "How many times can I travel within without feeling trapped anymore?" For a brief moment-a split second long perhaps- I imagine myself free. Free to leave this material place. This so-called land of opportunity. Free from this land of fake morality, and empty social and human values. And also for a moment I contemplate my oppressed brothers and sisters, who everyday give up a little essence of themselves because we live in such oppressive society. I imagine them free as well.
But this can't be. At least not here, not now. Then, I realized I have done it again. I just traveled within to that safe place.
The title above is lyrics from a song in Spanish (obviously). I sometimes feel like by staying inside I am giving something up. The fear of being away from my family is what keeps me here, but at what cost, I wonder?
There are moments in which hope abandons me. It doesn't happen frequently, but occasionally it does. Most of the time I get caught up in the day to day, life cycle; that I even forget I'm in a giant cell to begin with.
Last night, as I wandered through the space in between conscious and subconsciousness,I thought "How many times can I travel within without feeling trapped anymore?" For a brief moment-a split second long perhaps- I imagine myself free. Free to leave this material place. This so-called land of opportunity. Free from this land of fake morality, and empty social and human values. And also for a moment I contemplate my oppressed brothers and sisters, who everyday give up a little essence of themselves because we live in such oppressive society. I imagine them free as well.
But this can't be. At least not here, not now. Then, I realized I have done it again. I just traveled within to that safe place.
The title above is lyrics from a song in Spanish (obviously). I sometimes feel like by staying inside I am giving something up. The fear of being away from my family is what keeps me here, but at what cost, I wonder?
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