Students for Fair Consideration

“Look at those illegals,” my friend said jokingly while he was dropping me off to the Bart Station. He pointed at two Mexican immigrants standing against the fence. Although it was a joke, I was extremely angry. Yet, I was defenseless and vulnerable. I simply laughed with him and stayed casual as if nothing happened. Once he dropped me off, I wondered if he would treat me differently if he knew that I’m also “illegal.”

Too Much At Stake for Complacency – A Call to Action for Immigration Reform

friend: What event?

Marco: the Asian undocumented students community teach in

friend: Oooo I see. that’s cute

I wonder what you think of me when I remind you that I’m undocumented.  What goes in your mind when you forget my history and developing experience.  How do you feel, how do you really feel?  Do you keep in mind that despite my struggles I’m still flesh – I’m a working bodily organism.  I am composed of life and feeling, I can sense and touch.  I can feel.  What really goes through your mind when I remind you that I don’t have ‘papeles.’  That I cannot attain the same resources as you, that I have to constantly worry about how I will raise money for another semester.  I hate the guilt that my circumstance has created for those around me, the immense guilt that is created and misunderstanding of my experience.  Look close because in reality I’m just like you.