When many natural-born citizens hear the words United States, they think of the all-American tale of the immigrant-created melting pot.
However, for undocumented immigrants, like 20-year-old Itzel Serrano, the melting pot seems invitation only.
That’s why singer, actress and executive producer Selena Gomez decided to help produce a documentary titled “Living Undocumented.” The series follows eight families who could face the harsh reality of deportation.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B2g-JBaDBiv/
Ahead of the documentary’s premiere, Serrano, a Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipient, spoke to HERS Magazine about the realities of living as an undocumented citizen, something she hopes is accurately represented in Gomez’s “Living Undocumented.”
DACA provides undocumented immigrants who were brought to the United States illegally as children with a renewable two-year permit to live and work in the country.
“I have DACA so it prevents me from being deported,” Serrano said. “I have certain privileges, like having a driver’s license.”
But for undocumented immigrants without DACA status, Serrano says life is a constant struggle.
“I know people who don’t have DACA and fear not having a job the next day,” Serrano said.
Itzel Serrano is a nursing major at the University of Delaware.
Serrano said that people don’t think about the small stuff that undocumented immigrants fear, like driving.
Most citizens can drive and run errands without thinking twice, but for undocumented immigrants, one run-in with police can lead to deportation.
Serrano has met many people who feel like undocumented immigrants shouldn’t have the privilege of coming to a different country and using their resources.
She wants those people to understand that America is home to many undocumented immigrants as well.
“For us DACA people, we have been here our whole lives,” Serrano said. “For us there is no other home. I came here when I was 3 months old. I don’t know what Mexico is like. The culture has been passed down through my parents but it’s not something I can say I’m Mexican fully. I grew up in the American system and culture.”
Serrano hopes that “Living Undocumented” will help other people realize that undocumented immigrants are humans, just like them. She said that she’s often treated like she’s a different species because she is undocumented.
“We all deserve respect and to have a meal every day and feel safe,” Serrano said.
Serrano wants viewers to see that all undocumented immigrants want is a better life.
Gomez has a similar outlook.
“I chose to produce this series, ‘Living Undocumented,’ because over the past few years, the word immigrant has seemingly become a negative word,” Gomez said. “My hope is that the series can shed light on what it’s like to live in this country as an undocumented immigrant firsthand, from the courageous people who have chosen to share their stories.”
“Living Undocumented” premieres globally on Oct. 2 on Netflix.
Itzel Serrano, Selena Gomez (Shutterstock)
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DACA Recipient Voices Hopes for Selena Gomez Documentary ‘Living Undocumented’
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When many natural-born citizens hear the words United States, they think of the all-American tale of the immigrant-created melting pot.
However, for undocumented immigrants, like 20-year-old Itzel Serrano, the melting pot seems invitation only.
That’s why singer, actress and executive producer Selena Gomez decided to help produce a documentary titled “Living Undocumented.” The series follows eight families who could face the harsh reality of deportation.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B2g-JBaDBiv/
Ahead of the documentary’s premiere, Serrano, a Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipient, spoke to HERS Magazine about the realities of living as an undocumented citizen, something she hopes is accurately represented in Gomez’s “Living Undocumented.”
DACA provides undocumented immigrants who were brought to the United States illegally as children with a renewable two-year permit to live and work in the country.
“I have DACA so it prevents me from being deported,” Serrano said. “I have certain privileges, like having a driver’s license.”
But for undocumented immigrants without DACA status, Serrano says life is a constant struggle.
“I know people who don’t have DACA and fear not having a job the next day,” Serrano said.
Serrano said that people don’t think about the small stuff that undocumented immigrants fear, like driving.
Most citizens can drive and run errands without thinking twice, but for undocumented immigrants, one run-in with police can lead to deportation.
Serrano has met many people who feel like undocumented immigrants shouldn’t have the privilege of coming to a different country and using their resources.
She wants those people to understand that America is home to many undocumented immigrants as well.
“For us DACA people, we have been here our whole lives,” Serrano said. “For us there is no other home. I came here when I was 3 months old. I don’t know what Mexico is like. The culture has been passed down through my parents but it’s not something I can say I’m Mexican fully. I grew up in the American system and culture.”
Serrano hopes that “Living Undocumented” will help other people realize that undocumented immigrants are humans, just like them. She said that she’s often treated like she’s a different species because she is undocumented.
“We all deserve respect and to have a meal every day and feel safe,” Serrano said.
Serrano wants viewers to see that all undocumented immigrants want is a better life.
Gomez has a similar outlook.
“I chose to produce this series, ‘Living Undocumented,’ because over the past few years, the word immigrant has seemingly become a negative word,” Gomez said. “My hope is that the series can shed light on what it’s like to live in this country as an undocumented immigrant firsthand, from the courageous people who have chosen to share their stories.”
“Living Undocumented” premieres globally on Oct. 2 on Netflix.