3/8/23
As part of our activities today we had a DACAmented voices in health care presentation, where we discussed the additional barriers presented to non-U.S. citizens in the U.S. There were several things that stuck out to me. One of them was the pressure many feel to push aside any health concerns, often for the sake of work and or to make sure there is enough money for their children instead. To me, this spoke to the great lengths many will go to ensure a quality of life for their children whenever possible.
Under our current healthcare system, it feels as though you are not deserving of care until you have the money for it. The basis for care is this not the inherit dignity and humanity of another person, but rather how many funds you have to offer.
I find this reflective of the current immigration system and narratives of immigration. If we were to shift our focus and realize the humanity of those who are seeking aid, then suddenly you aren’t dealing with a scary and mysterious figure, you are approaching a person worthy of empathy and care.
I have found it frustrating to think of all the different narratives and legislations that function because others have diminished the humanity and the struggles of migrants. On a more hopeful note, it was also inspiring to see art created by DACA recipients to add to and change the current narrative. Taking the time to reflect on various poems and artwork, we get a glimpse into someone else’s lives experience. While we may not share these experiences and thus not fully understand them, there is something powerful in connecting with someone through their vulnerability as they share their story.
The last thing this brings me to is compassion. To paraphrase, Alok Vaid-Menon, a non-binary activist, has stated that people should focus more on compassion than comprehension. While this was said in a conversation about supporting trans and non-binary people, we reflected on the words as it could relate to the topic of immigration. Though my parents are immigrants, and thus I am a little familiar with the immigration process, this does not mean I have a full comprehension of what it is like to cross the border or live in the U.S. without documentation. However, I don’t need that comprehension to have compassion.
This sense of compassion is what I leave with after today. If there is one thing I could offer to anyone who wishes to increase their knowledge and understanding of issues affecting migrants, I would say to focus on that compassion. I truly believe by doing so we can think of and act for solutions to build a brighter and united future rather than building literal and metaphorical walls between one another.
Cindy Garibay