Immigration MIC

*This episode of Immigration MIC  was originally recorded in August.  Welcome Joel Salguero to the Immigration MIC Podcast! Joel and I met through the Stony Brook Audio Fellows program when I presented to his undergraduate cohort back in March, and we reconnected through this interview to talk about where he's at going back to in-person/virtual learning, his personal immigration story, his take on the fight for DACA, and how his show takes a nuanced look at issues -- while remaining objective. The Objective TruthThe Objective Truth Podcast aims at educating, investigating, and sharing stories, facts, and experiences from a variety of topics ranging from personal wellness all the way to political science. In the open of the episode I reflect on where I'm at in this moment with the elections coming up, and with more tragedy that has happened this year -- it's not the full story, but hope you take a listen as I continue to be in solidarity with everyone, with the overwhelming amount of suffering this year.  It's almost five years since Immigration MIC started!  Enjoy this latest episode.  

Paola Mendoza, Film Director, Activist, and a Co-Founder of the Women’s March, joins us on @immigrationmicpodcast to talk about her upcoming book “Sanctuary”! In this interview, Paola and I discuss her personal commitment to the immigration reform work, the intersections between her work in the film industry and serving as the artistic director for the Women’s March, the inspiration for “Sanctuary” and some of the books themes and elements that mirrors the difficult reality we’re grappling with. We also go into her experience being front and center election night at the Javits Center, the idea of artists working to reopen/ heal “the heart of America”, and her role as we move towards this year’s presidential elections. About Sanctuary (available for pre-order, out September 1): It's 2032, and in this near-future America, all citizens are chipped and everyone is tracked—from buses to grocery stores. It's almost impossible to survive as an undocumented immigrant, but that's exactly what sixteen-year-old Vali is trying to do. She and her family have carved out a stable, happy life in small-town Vermont, until Vali's mother's counterfeit chip starts malfunctioning and the Deportation Forces raid their town, forcing them to flee. On the run, Vali and her family are desperately trying to make it to her tía Luna's in California, a sanctuary state that is currently being walled off from the rest of the country. When Vali's mom is captured, Vali must carry on with her younger brother across this brutal country to get to safety before it's too late. Pre-Order Sanctuary: https://www.greenlightbookstore.com/book/9781984815712 Paola Mendoza Twitterhttps://twitter.com/paolamendoza Paola Mendoza Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/paolamendoza "Artists We Need You" Talk @ The New School https://bit.ly/3awJJwd Tink Media https://tinkmedia.co/

Hear reactions from former Immigration MIC guests Eliana Fernandez, Alejandro Flores, and Damaris!(From CNBC) "The Supreme Court ruled against President Donald Trump on Thursday in a set of cases over his effort to end the Obama-era immigration program known as Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA. The ruling will protect hundreds of thousands of young immigrants who have been shielded from deportation and allowed to receive work permits under the program. There were about 700,000 DACA recipients at the time Trump ordered the program to wind down in September 2017. The 5-4 opinion was authored by Chief Justice John Roberts, a conservative, and joined by the court’s liberals, Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Stephen Breyer, Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan. Roberts reasoned that the Trump administration’s termination of the program was “arbitrary and capricious,” in violation of federal law that governs administrative procedure."Supreme Court rules against Trump's bid to end program shielding 'Dreamer' immigrants *Immigration MIC is still on hiatus with my work on Momentum: A Race Forward Podcast, but I wanted to make this quick episode to commemorate this landmark moment for our immigration/ podcast community. 

Link to Medium article  

In light of a friend recently passing from complications from COVID-19, this bonus episode will instead focus on spotlighting two women of color podcasters I recently collaborated with. I’ll be back in a couple of weeks with a full length episode having taken the time to process this moment, but in the meantime, please support the important work both of these podcasters are doing by taking a listen to the additional episodes below. 046: Careerfluencer Community Update with Cynthia Heisch A message from Cynthia Heisch, Founder of Careerfluencer – community updates, staying strong in times of crisis, and keeping your career afloat. We hope that you are staying safe and hanging in there! Careerfluencer is committed to helping you keep your career on track during these tough times as a positive, professional resource and source of support. It Girl Thoughts: Did Someone Say Food? It's all about food this week! I talk about how Latin food has influenced my life, and my favorite dishes! Song of the week is "Kompany" by Monte Booker, Smino, and Phoelix. Check it out! It Girl Thoughts: My Story #SAAPM Today's podcast is long and heavy. I open up about me being molested at age 15, and the importance of fighting for more public policies for Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention. I really hope you all listen to this podcast, and share this. My only hope is to create a space for people like myself to feel safe and ready to combat this and seek help. No song of the week this week, I wish you all love and happiness during this difficult time. 

Links:  www.techqueria.org/resources www.instagram.com/dvidsilva www.twitter.com/dvidsilva

Welcome Barbara Estrada (@hollaitsbarbara), host of the @workinprogressmedia podcast, to the @immigrationmicpodcast, recorded at the @hgab_studios in Miami, Florida! In this episode, Barbara talks to us about the beginnings of her journalism career in college that shaped her passion for international news/ storytelling (6:07), her experience reporting at the US-Mexico border during the Hatian refugee crisis (18:16), we discuss objectivity vs advocacy in journalism (21:30), her transition from working in corporate media (26:30), starting @workinprogressmedia, first as a blog, which has now become a podcast, “a global podcast about ordinary, extraordinary people in their 20s” (31:03), and her words of inspiration for other upcoming journalists: “really remember why you joined in the first place.” (39:23) *I open the show talking about where I’m at relating to the COVID-19 pandemic, and as a bonus, I include a clip of my recent interview with @platformlatino talking about the beginnings of the Immigration MIC Podcast and include clips from the interviews with Rosa Velasquez (E22), and Luz (E38).  Barbara’s Website www.barbaraestrada.com Work In Progress Podcasthttps://apple.co/3dBTCtH Work In Progress Bloghttps://bit.ly/2UHpODq Inside the Lives of the LGBTQI in Greecehttps://bit.ly/3atcIQO Barbara reporting on the Hatian refugee crisis (2016)https://bit.ly/2WOaiIF #Brownish: DNA Results Teaserhttps://bit.ly/33VrhtS

Good morning! Need to get away? Then put your headphones on and join me for 30 minutes of the Immigration MIC podcast!  This is a bonus episode where I talk to you about my recent trip to Orlando - Miami, as the Coronavirus became a global pandemic, leading to the cancellation of the April 1 Immigration MIC live event here in NYC.  I take you through my experience at PodFest 2020, tell you about the mystery of apartment building 6662, and how I've never felt more alive than when I figured out how to ride an electric scooter. Let's go! 

In this special three in one episode of @immigrationmicpodcast hear great conversations with @ashotoftruthpodcast, Lorena Quiroz-Lewis, and @firstgenmoney!  A Shot of Truth Podcast is hosted by Victoria Matey who is an “undocumented queer womxn of color”, who began her podcast with the mission of providing “a platform for us undocumented people to share our experiences, ideas, concerns and whatever we want. Millions of people carry this identity and we all have different complex lives. It's time to pick up the mic and tell our story our way” -- we have a very fun and thought provoking conversation as both activists and podcast hosts/ producers.  Next, Lorena Quiroz-Lewis, Lead Organizer/ Coordinator Mississippi Immigrant Coalition calls in as Mississippi is undergoing historic weather conditions, and talks about the developments on the ground since last summer’s workplace immigration raids, and the impact on the local community. She provides a detailed account of the efforts that went into responding to the raids, and talks about the infrastructure that is trying to be built to address the longstanding effects.  As a bonus, we spotlight Danielle Romoleroux, creator of FirstGenMoney, and she shares her motivation for being invested in the immigration conversation, and talks about her parents’ stories in immigration from Ecuador, to eventually becoming citizens, and how it ties into her motivation in promoting financial health.  Listen on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, and remember to follow @immigrationmicpodcast on Instagram to hear clips of all the latest interviews!  Resources: A Shot Of Truth Podcast: https://shotoftruthpodcast.com/Mississippi Immigration Coalition: https://www.facebook.com/MSimmigrationcoalition/FirstGenMoney: https://www.firstgenmoney.com/

Welcome to the Season 5 premiere of Immigration MIC! We’re kicking off Episode 101 with Paula Chirinos from the 100th Episode, and it’s the full interview you’ve been waiting for. In this episode Paula talks about: Her experience being a part of the 100th Episode, and how she came to be a part of the event. Being a DACA recipient from Peru, and growing up in New Rochelle unaware of her immigration status until just a few years ago. Her experience working as a writer and facilitator with Herstory Writers Workshop on Long Island, and the influence Erica Duncan has had on her storytelling. How the 2016 Election was a life changing year for her, and her take on the national dialogue since. Her ambitions to work in global marketing, and looking forward to graduating this year and fulfilling her “purpose”. *Also included: a bonus interview with Dina Radeljas (Assistant Professor At Mohawk Community College in Utica, NY) by Jordan Sher, author of “Our Neighbors, Their Voices” – the interview is about Dina’s story about her family escaping Bosnia in 1993 fleeing the genocide being perpetrated by the Serbian government against Muslims. Dina tells of the path she and her family took that eventually led to the safety and opportunity they found in America.

The True Story Behind The Immigration MIC Podcast is a tell all episode that takes you through the consequences of Hendel’s misguided ambitions — that ultimately led to his downfall at the hands of a famous figure. For the first time ever, Hendel publicly details the devastating moment his career fell apart, the traumatic fallout, and his years long road to rehabilitation and redemption. Written as a cautionary tale, Hendel warns of the dangers of believing in your own hype — but also sets a blueprint for making the biggest comeback of your life and finding triumph through faith. Prologue Chapter 1 - Pride Comes Before The Fall (1:53) Chapter 2 - The "Death" Of My Career (18:00) Chapter 3 - Losing Everything (54:51) Chapter 4 - Podcasting (God's Miracle) (1:32:22) Chapter 5 - Bad Boy For Life (1:55:20) Epilogue (2:00:13) (A special thank you to my friend and editor - Rocio Vives @pandamunchies_)

Tickets available immigrationmic100.eventbrite.comConnect with Rocio @pandamunchies_ and @chica.chats on Instagram!

Long Island (and NYC) register now for the 100th Live Episode celebration at Hofstra University, November 13th -- once the studio is full, we won't have space to let anyone in! Register at immigrationmic100.eventbrite.com. 

Also announcing the 100th Episode celebration of Immigration MIC! Tickets for the November 13th event at Hofstra University on Long Island, NY are available at: immigrationmic100.eventbrite.com Come for a night of entertainment and network with others working on immigration reform, and people active in the podcasting world! My featured guest is Eliana Fernandez: activist, mom, #Dreamer, and lead organizer @maketheroadny. Her story, from never having shared her story publicly, to becoming a part of the national immigration dialogue is the inspiration behind the podcast, and we’re excited to bring it to you on this stage. Daniella Vieira, singer/ performer, and DACA recipient featured on the Grammy Award-winning album ‘American Dreamers’ will be joining us for a conversation and performance - making her a two time guest of the podcast, and we’ll also talk about how a Twitter conversation, became a remix, which became an opportunity. Professor Mario A. Murillo, Vice Dean of the Lawrence Herbert School of Communication and I will have a conversation about the evolution of the podcast and the opportunities that have been created for myself and my guests alike, and how podcasting is not just about commercial success, but is a powerful driver of social and cultural functions.

From the episode, a recommended reading: A Reformed White Nationalist Says the Worst Is Yet to Come https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2019/08/conversation-christian-picciolini/595543/

Bonus: Jodan Sher, Our Neighbors, Their Voices: True Stories of Immigrant Exodus https://amzn.to/2SRoo7S

Welcome Betzy Valdez of @bempowereddreamer to Episode 92 of the @immigrationmicpodcast! Betzy is a DACA recipient from Central Mexico whose family immigrated to Colorado for a better life for their family; her sister was born with bilateral microtia and needed specialized care. Growing up, Betzy hid her good grades and intelligence to fit in, and similarly, she was uncomfortable with immigration conversations because she felt it would bring up her immigration status. 9/11 marked an important moment for her; she felt it became a hopeless situation to find relief for her immigration status or to obtain residency. She talks about her life transitions: getting married at 19, having her first child at 20, and how her three daughters motivate her to push forward. Betzy describes her inner struggles being undocumented in high school, and how after DACA in 2012, she was able to go back to school, and is working towards her associates degree; her way of going after the American Dream. We talk about the 2016 election, and how Betzy was crushed by DACA being ended in 2017 - and how she fought against the negativity during that time, and didn’t let it defeat her. She tells the story of when she unexpectedly first told her story at a networking event, and the fateful moment that she knew she was destined to tell her story to empower herself and others. Betzy is using the page @bempowereddreamer as a way to express herself and share her story widely, and talks about how the challenges at the federal level has brought something else out of her to fight for change. BONUS: From @latinosoutloud: Radio/TV On Air Personality, Club Host+Blogger+ @Spotify Global Content Programming @ajelkallejero tells an important anecdote of his family’s immigration story and how his mom is giving back to the undocumented community! BONUS: At the beginning of the episode, find out how you can support immigration activist and content creator Stephanie Ramirez’s “Families Belong Together” campaign — all sales from the t-shirt will go to @raicestexas & @borderangelsofficial: two nonprofit groups leading in the fight against the inhumane treatment of migrants. bonfire.com/dontlookaway/ 

Welcome Ron Bautista (@ronbautistanj) candidate for #Hoboken’s 3rd Ward City Council to the @immigrationmicpodcast! In this interview we talk about: Born in Guayaquil, Ecuador, Ron talks about his background and the political/ economic reasons why his family decided to immigrate with a tourist visa and settled temporarily in Hoboken. Ron’s family overstayed their visa: he talks about the complex legal situation his family found themselves in, and the way he was able to be petitioned for, which eventually led to him qualifying for a green card. He talks about the time period he was undocumented, and tells the story of a social studies teacher he confided in about his status and the US Citizenship pop quiz that gave him support -- and how he messaged her right after he became a citizen. Ron talks about always having a passion for community service and politics, the reason he pursued an associates degree in accounting, and the hard work he and his mom put in cleaning houses to pay for his tuition for his bachelor's degree. Making the decision to run for mayor of Hoboken at 28, and although he did not win, how he appreciates the impact he felt his candidacy had, and how the person that became mayor instituted a “welcoming resolution” that discouraged local police from cooperating with ICE. The 2016 Election and the importance of “building the movement from the ground up”, and how he is happy that there are so many candidates vying for the Democrat presidential nomination. Finally, he talks about various issues he works on consistently in Hoboken, and how he views the future of the city from his point of view -- “those make a difference -- that’s social justice right there” (and he will also give you a tour of the city if you're interested!)

Welcome Jhoana Monroy (@jhoanajojo) from Portland, Oregon to the @immigrationmicpodcast! In this interview we talk about: Johana’s work resisting, challenging, and dismantling “oppressive systems” through creative avenues. Her relationship with her parents and coming to the U.S to live the “American Dream”, and not recognizing her father as a young girl at times. Attending a school that specialized in dual language programs, the social worker whose generosity inspired Johana’s current work in mentoring. How moving to a “white” community with different educational systems led to bad influences, and how going to an alternative school, becoming a young mom, and her brother’s deportation led her to her current path. Joining Momentum Alliance (@getyourmomentum) and later on being recruited/ inspired by someone who was “undocumented, unafraid, and unapologetic”, (Johana was denied through the citizenship process through her spouse). Leading efforts in creating a gala fundraiser for undocumented students at the institution she was attending, which led to the creation for a center, and now has an endowment that awards full ride scholarships. The 2016 elections “my heart still drops still thinking about it, I still get nervous” - “I don’t even know how I survived that day’. Her ambitions to run for a position, finish her master’s degree, serving her community, --- and words of inspiration: “be resistant, activate others, step outside your comfort zone”. And much more! Bonus: Sample of an NYC panel discussion for HBO's "Make Love Great Again" with Director Aaron Agrasanchez and Hommy Diaz that I attended!

Welcome longtime immigration activist Hector Alessandro Negrete and who recently won re-election to the Boyle Heights Neighborhood Council to the Immigration MIC Podcast! We talk about: His intersection of his queer and undocumented identity, his early experience in the immigrant rights movement at Cal State LA. Working with the Immigrant Youth Coalition (@immigrantpower), and being the first statewide director for the California Immigrant Youth Justice Alliance (@ciyja) and his work advocating for healthcare for his community, and much more movement work. He talks about the journey to the passage of DACA (nonprofits vs. movement), the reason why he didn’t qualify, and why he didn’t see it as a ‘be all, end all’. Running for neighborhood council once gentrification began happening in Boyle Heights and his experiences being able to work on LGBTQ advocacy, housing issues, and air quality issues as the transit and environment chair (@boyleheightsnc). The 2016 election and the lessons learned, and how it has reinvigorated activists to return to pushing for immigration reform legislation. He encourages for people to reach out to him and talk to him, his concern with high schoolers for having access to DACA, his current work demystifying business ownership and business models, and having been a fellow for Immigrants Rising (@immigrantsrising). And much more! (also, I talk about going to see the screening of the film The Unafraid at NYU)

On the @immigrationmicpodcast @hannita.art a digital artist based in NY, who strives to provide beauty through arts and educate around DACA and immigration joins the podcast! From Guadalajara, Jalisco Hanna’s artistic influence came through her father who owned two prestigious art stores but due to the economic crisis they immigrated to San Jose California. Hanna’s family became a mixed status family, with her parents receiving residency, but due to complex immigration laws, neither she or her brother received the same relief. Theater, animation, and paintings - Hannah has always used the arts as a form of therapy, she goes in-depth into how arts to her is a form of escapism for her. She talks about the challenges she faced before DACA, and talks about her positive spin on fear to motivate her in life (she also tells us the story of how she found out she was undocumented, and how one of her closest friends distanced herself as a result) Seattle, Portland, Montana, LA and moving to NY, rock climbing, skydiving - DACA helped Hanna find the freedom and adventure she was looking for. The uncertainty post the 2016 election, and her drive in the days after to not let the new administration tear down everything she had worked for and built for herself. “My art is about being an undocumented immigrant, about mental health, and about what an identity crisis looks like to an undocumented immigrant.” Hanna leaves us off with a passionate moment of wanting to connect with other undocumented artists and the “time capsule” she wanted to help create and be a part of. … and much more! This was one of Hanna’s first interviews, she was nervous, but it ended up being a good time, so check it out!

Alejandro Flores Munoz joins @immigrationmicpodcast! In this episode, we talk about his experiences growing up undocumented, finding community through the sport of wrestling and transitioning that feeling into his organizing and political work, his side hustles @unumsunglasses/ @progressivebutton/ @stokespoke, and his advice for 2020 candidates! *I also speak on the outrage of Selene Saavedra Roman's detention, and the impact this incident has, and the lessons to take away from it.

Welcome immigration and education advocate, musician/ hip-hop artist, and founder of Mass Dreams, Daniella Vieira to the Immigration MIC Podcast! Daniella tells us about her family’s experience with immigration from Brazil and initially settling in Massachusetts, to them returning to Brazil and her being born into a mixed status family, eventually immigrating to Massachusetts again for good. Her experience growing up in Massachusetts, (which today has a booming Brazilian/ Portuguese community) Daniella initially going to school in a town where she was the first foreign language student, and the important support she received from an educator who is now the head of ESL program. “I had to ramp up my lying a lot more”: Daniella talks about the challenges she began facing her junior year of high school, and how DACA was announced the summer right before her senior year, while she was looking at colleges (and pays tribute to her parents for their encouragement) Daniella was accepted into all 8 schools she applied to, but was denied because the schools didn’t understand DACA, and eventually went to Ohio State because UMass Amherst would be charging out of state tuition. The beginning of her immigration advocacy in 2015 which began at an school event where she unexpectedly stood up to talk about financial aid for undocumented students and in turn empowered herself and other students. She talks about the impact of meeting Hillary Clinton and reflects on the significance of the presidential candidate at the time stopping and listening to her story, and in contract, the very real threat of the current president’s policies. She goes into her musical influences, how she stepped out of her comfort zone and joining a hip-hop and beatboxing club at school, “I could spill all sorts of secrets in a cypher”, and the story of being a part of John Daversa's album, American Dreamers: Voices of Hope, Music of Freedom, which featured 53 DACA recipients, and being invited to be on stage at the Grammy awards. The motivation behind her two songs 'Alien’, “owning my identity, and being real about the fears I have”, and “Nobody Else” which has a very interesting backstory, “a middle of college weird dating culture” song, which was written and produced over a long period of time. Daniella is currently studying to take the LSAT and weighing her options in her career, and working on her new organization called Mass Dreams to help undocumented students in Massachusetts, and currently focusing on mental health and looking for participants.

Welcome Belén Sisa, immigration activist, Bernie 2016 campaign alum, and member of the #Dream7 to the Immigration MIC podcast! Belen was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina - her family moved to the US right before the collapse of the Argentinean economy in 2001 to Arizona during the construction boom years. Because she and her family were “white passing”, they fit in in their middle class white neighborhood and were able to keep their undocumented status hidden. She talks about how later on, her family buying a house in a different neighborhood near a detention center, and living in a conservative community exposed those differences. She talks about living a double life - being the Homecoming Queen, a varsity cheerleader, and a bright student, while living in fear in the years of SB1070, her family nearly ending up homeless and how graduation felt like the end of her escape from those harsh realities. She talks about her experiences in becoming involved and empowered in immigration activist with the Arizona Dream Act Coalition, and how her involvement led to longtime close friends separating themselves from her, but finding community in “belonging to her people”. Her decision to be a part of the Dream 7 jail strike, and in depth describes the “traumatizing” experience, which involved cold temperatures, police brutality, inhumane conditions, and the faith they placed in everyone fighting for a Clean Dream Act, the psychological effects of the experience, and the inspiration that followed. Her experience working with the Bernie Sanders 2016 campaign, a “life changing experience, working as a field organizer in Nevada, Arizona, Rhode Island, California, and later on becoming part of the Latino Outreach team. She talks about the skills and networks she gained, and the opportunity to be a page at the DNC as an undocumented woman. We talk about the outcome of election night, her reaction, and how it led to her viral moment, taking a picture with her tax returns and tagging the president in it, because she wanted the real story to be told, which led to 1000’s of shares, a lot of hate mail, threats, but overall, the support she received, the national conversation it sparked, and how she became even more “unafraid”. We end talking about the “unusual” political moment, her message of unity coming out of the 2016 elections, how she’s seeing the 2020 elections take shape, and the importance of mobilizing to win back the White House. “Do the right thing and don’t be afraid to speak up”, — words of encouragement from Belen talking about her moments of personal growth, and how personal stories can move us forward, and her hopes that she can inspire others to have an impact.

Welcome newly elected New York State Senator Alessandra Biaggi to the Immigration MIC podcast!

Welcome Miluska Aquije @heavenlyhope87 to Immigration MIC, who’s here to live out her passion for sharing her story as a DACA- recipient from Peru and theology in practice as a future pastor in residence!

Welcome Latinx advocate @paoramos to the new Immigration MIC: Vote 2020 series! Here are some of the things we talk about in this episode:

New Immigration MIC Podcast with @OW.USA at SUNY Old Westbury! In this episode, you’ll hear from two young women who are stepping up to share their personal stories during this hostile political climate, while working to grow their organization for immigration advocacy on their college campus. Priscilla’s journey began in Quito, Ecuador where she was flown to Mexico, and made the journey across the Rio Grande to the United States. Growing up in Suffolk County, undocumented, she talks to us about her experiences, and how she works to be defined as much more than her legal status. Giselle, Salvadoran-American is also from Long Island, and through her presentation pays tribute to her father’s efforts and sacrifices. She talks about his ambition to learn the English language, to attend night school, and obtain his GED, and how he supported the family through landscaping at high priced homes, and now works as a real estate agent. Giselle expresses her frustration at the current political moment; her parents are both TPS holders. Both these young women are working their way to law school to become immigration lawyers, and are taking their personal experiences with them to be able to one day be able to help people deal with the injustices they have witnessed. Bonus: Catch my full talk on the connection between hate speech and hate crimes that include the Brother Nature Twitter controversy and Kanye West.

Best selling author @julissaarce joins Immigration MIC to talk about her new book #SomeoneLikeMe! We talk about the success of her 1st book, #MyUndergroundAmericanDream, what she’s been up to the last couple of years (working with @crookedmedia, hosting a podcast with @graceparra360, and developing projects with @dianexguerrero), relaunching #30daysoflatinx and what she learned from last year’s criticism, and her recent writings involving her #MeToo experience on Wall St., the figures controlling immigration policy in the White House, and advocating for communities to “not fall into Kanye’s trap.” Julissa has been a good friend for more than three years now, and I’m excited for you to hear our conversation, so head over to iTunes now!

Dior Vargas, Latina Feminist Mental Health Activist, and White House Champion Of Change recipient is featured in this week’s episode of Immigration MIC. In this candid conversation, she talks about The Color Of My Mind; a book/ photo essay highlighting the diversity in the mental health community, the self-imposed pressures that can come with activism, and how her family’s generational immigration story is important to who she is today. If you enjoy this episode and want to hear more like it, find Immigration MIC on iTunes, subscribe/ leave a review, and we’ll be sure to bring you more great conversations on immigration and mental health!

Candidate for NYS Senate Jessica Ramos - the “proud daughter of immigrants”, and the former Director of Latino Media for the City of New York joins the Immigration MIC podcast! (Catch the full episode on iTunes, SoundCloud, and YouTube today!)

On a brand new episode of Immigration MIC, Catalina Laverde: co-founder of Civic Action Network, and software engineer at Spotify joins me!

On the final California edition of Immigration MIC, Playwright/ Director, and DACA recipient Rocio Diaz joins the podcast!

On this California episode of Immigration MIC I sit with the founder of Santa Cruz Dreamer Project Gabriela! In this hour long interview, we cover a complex and multifaceted story, which includes:

This week, we’re visiting J. Cole fan, immigration reform advocate and self-described ‘nonprofit visionary’ Alix, and she tells us all about:

Welcome Karla Estrada (@undocutravelers) to this week’s Immigration MIC (California Edition!) Episode: “After DACA, it’s like we (the movement) stopped fighting” In this two hour conversation we discuss:

California Edition: Welcome Ana to Immigration MIC!

Immigration MIC California Edition! I sat with Valeria (a months long fan of the podcast) at the Plaza de La Cultura Y Artes in Los Angeles to talk about:

Welcome Manuela from East Hampton to the Immigration MIC podcast! Get to know her journey in this in-depth interview where you will hear this driven young woman’s personality shine:

Welcome Janine Joseph - Assistant Professor at Oklahoma State and author of the award winning book “Driving Without A License” to Immigration MIC! In this interview, we go in-depth into Janine’s personal immigration story, and how her undocumented status inspires her work as part of Undocupoets, which includes:

In this episode you’ll learn about this resilient young woman’s journey, including:

Welcome Maria from Oregon to Immigration MIC! A DACA recipient from Mexico, currently residing in Oregon, and recently in DC advocating for DREAM Act Legislation - get to know this passionate young woman!

Welcome Daniel, the founder of ‘Faces Of DACA’ to this week’s Immigration MIC episode! In this episode you’ll hear: His experience immigrating from Mexico due to the increasing violence, and moving to California in 2004. How he learned about his immigration status: the story of how he could’t go with his class to Japan. How pre-DACA, Daniel felt the weight of hopelessness, but kept pushing himself until DACA became a reality. As a software engineer, the reasons why he finds joy in being a creative, and using that talent to help others, starting his career at Uber Eats. His reaction to the 2016 election, and the “tipping point” he experiences that led to the creation of Faces Of DACA, and getting candid about why he hadn’t going the fight beforehand. His work over the past months collecting stories from other DACA recipients, building connections and gathering stories, and how his team’s outreach is growing across the nation. His goal of returning in the future to his software engineer work, and how he eventually would like to become an educator. Daniel says he finds inspiration in the phrase “Si, Se Puede”, in the worst days to keep his work going. Happy to say Immigration MIC is now an affiliate of Faces Of DACA as we both continue bringing people into the conversation to have an impact on the national conversation!

Welcome Daysi from Oregon to Immigration MIC! Daysi came to the US from Mexico at 11 years old, and through her experiences as a DACA recipient, she has become a fighter and advocate for mental health. Her family had roots in the US, with her father working seasonally in California and Oregon, and traveling back to be with his family, eventually sending for their family to join him. Their family moved around quite a bit in Oregon, which Daysi recounts has given her the experience of interacting with different communities. Daysi was the salutatorian for her high school, being involved in sports, being passionate about history — graduating in 2012, DACA being announced a few months later. “I ended up having 2-3 jobs at a time, help my parents will the bills, I could drive, and I could go to college” — DACA had a huge impact on Daysi’s life, and she began paying to forward immediately, establishing an organization “United Undocumented Students” for DACA students, and allies, to be able to raise awareness in the conservative area of the state. “I wanted to get stuff done, I wanted to make noise/ but the more I got into it, the more it drained me” Daysi opens up about the good, challenging experiences of being an activist. “I’ve also met great people along the way.” Daysi also becomes super candid about a dark period in her life where she contemplated suicide in high school, and the ways she fought back from those thoughts, and seeking professional health as recent as this past year. “I’ve learned you have to stand up and fight for yourself” Daysi give words of encouragement for other that are going through tough times being caught in the middle of the national immigration conversation, and the importance of connecting to others to both find strength and a support system.

“I would have gone anywhere with [my parents], which is why I was OK leaving El Salvador” This week on Immigration MIC, I speak with El Salvador native, Brooklyn transplant, now living in Long Island emerging immigration activist Brenda M! Brenda describes her personality as giving, wanting to put others before herself, something that is reflected in her mom’s decision to come to the US and work as an in-house nanny before sending for the rest of the family. She details her journey to the US, crossing the border at 7 years old, under the care of her father who hoisted her on his shoulders when she could no longer walk - all to find a better future. Arriving to Brooklyn, Brenda assimilated quickly, and speaks highly of all the diverse neighborhoods she grew up around. However, she began becoming knowledgeable of the limitations of her immigration status. When DACA was announced, it was her mom who helped her file, as she knew the importance of the opportunity that had been given to their family. In 2011, she moved to Hempstead, but because of the school district’s reputation she would continue to commute to school in Brooklyn, but eventually transferred to Hempstead full time — which meant learning to drive and adapt to a new school environment. Through her friend Allison, she became introduced to an immigrant student group on Long Island, and has been helping to share information with her community and connect to other people interested in advocating for immigration legislation. She describes her shock and heartbreak at both the election and the announcement being cancelled - now she’s working to be a voice throughout Long Island and beyond - specifically to help others in her situation realize their potential and be a part of something great together. Visit www.thehendelmediaproject.com for more information about how this project is following the national immigration movement through local stories AND - to watch my personal immigration documentary From One Mistake for free!

“I was an intern for Marco Rubio’s office - once the staff found out I was a Dreamer, I was treated differently - not in a good way.” Welcome to Immigration MIC Danny K, a Syrian - Armenian DACA recipient who is currently enrolled in a master’s program in FL, and is an emerging hip-hop artist! Emigrating with a visa from Syria, Danny and his family originally arrived to Boston, and immediately moved to Florida because of the weather. “My mom just broke the news to me” - Danny confronted a harsh reality when wanting to find a job, and his hopes and dreams to be involved in the US political system changed immediately. Upon looking to attend college, he was told that no college would accept him, until a woman he met by chance told him about attending community college. DACA = salvation, and it gave me a future, according to Danny. From there, he worked at a gift shop at Cirque Du Solei, and eventually had a chance to intern at Marco Rubio’s office - which he enjoyed initially. Somehow, someone in the office found out his immigration status, and all of a sudden, the mood of the people around him changed - they became more wary, more cautious to speak around him, and wasn’t fully welcomed. “Marco Rubio’s stances on immigration, are a slap in my face, a betrayal - in the hispanic community’s face as well” Suddenly, Danny’s DACA was terminated, and he lost his job, and for three years struggled with his mental health, you can just hear how much he was affected. Eventually, he was able to have his paperwork corrected and his DACA was reinstated. Danny a hip hop artist/ beat maker, and has a full album released, with quality music and visuals, and is committed to getting his music out there, as well as infusing his cultural background in it - it’s something to check out! “You all inspire me to keep going [all the people doing sit ins and protesting] we’ve come so far - they’ve JUST started to hear us” Watch the full interview on YouTube here: http://bit.ly/2BLWDUJ Visit www.thehendelmediaproject.com for more information about how this project is following the national immigration movement through local stories AND - to watch my personal immigration documentary From One Mistake for free!

On this Immigration MIC episode we have Genesis speaking to us about her personal story/experiences from Arizona! Genesis’ older brother was an organizer for the initial DREAM Act - her story is unconventional, given that since she was 10, she had always wanted to pursue a career in law, and after her brother was mistreated at the hands of police officers, Genesis decided to become involved fully in the immigration movement. She opens up about having been discouraged in high school, letting her grades drop, but the passage of DACA being a turning point in helping her return to school, and continue pursuing her education. Her work in Arizona along other activists is applauded nationally as ‘veterans of the movement’ because of laws like SB1070, - she talks to us about the ousting of Joe Arpaio, what the moment meant, and what it was like as they also were dealing with the news of Trump’s election. She also celebrates seeing her counterparts running for office and getting elected in local AZ communities. The current political landscape - we discuss arguments between activists, what realistic expectations are for reform/relief, and her personal words for encouragement for people stepping forward in recent times. Karina from the AZ Dream Act coalition makes a special appearance (pretty awesome!) and calls for undocumented parents to one day receive similar relief to DACA. Thank you Genesis for being so positive, grounded, and being willing to share with us your experiences - and thankful you find the strength everyday to continue pushing for immigration reform!

This week, welcome Allison to Immigration MIC! A Long Islander, originally from Guatemala, artist (anime and manga fan), a college student, and an emerging immigration advocate, she has her hands full and she’s full of passion and ambition! Allison came to the US at 14 and grew up in Hempstead and praises the educational system there - she also gives insight to the violence that is dealt with within the schools at the same time. “When I came here, I immediately started making my roots here - but it’s harder for a lot of other people” - Allison is grateful to be making her inroads into the US, trying out various career paths, and finding her way. She is passionate about bringing up to date immigration information to folks that may not have time to attend meetings, acting as an ambassador to community members who have parental responsibilities. “Right now, the most important thing our community should know - its your rights.” Currently Allison is working to create awareness for the immigration issue, taking the current political atmosphere personally, and working to push back against the current administration’s policies. “All the people are a part of me, and we’re going to stick together and keep fighting.” “I have people behind me, my friends, and my family, pushing me” - words that Allison is sending out to everyone out there needing words of inspiration!