I come from a long line of immigrants, some of whom signed their names into the books at Ellis Island and left behind friends family and everything they knew to become US citizens. I myself am an immigrant; I came to the US at two and received my citizenship at 18. Here I am standing in the doorway of one of the first houses that my ancestors lived in in New York City. Immigration is a difficult and big thing to talk about, and often can loop in racism and xenophobia. Suddenly a discussion can veer away from treating other humans with dignity and Can become a screaming match about who “belongs” and who doesn’t. At the core of this all are human beings. just like you and I, they have dreams and hopes, loved ones and fears. I hope you can look for that humanity in others on a daily basis, and I hope you can donate to @immfamtogether a volunteer-run organization that offers comprehensive support to detainees: housing, clothing, and a path to find and reunite with their loved ones. Help us raise funds (donated directly to the organization) to reunite and care for these families as they wait for their court dates. Link in bio.