#WeAreImmigrants — mariano pintor

BACKGROUND

I vividly remember my mother praying that she would never have to endure being separated from one of her children when I was younger. Growing up undocumented (and everything that came with it), that reality was normalized for me as a child. The fear of getting deported and being separated from my family permeated discussions at the dinner table. I believe that obstacles are placed in our life to teach lessons & help us heal.

At the end of November last year, as my older brother returned from his honeymoon in Jamaica, he was detained by ICE officials and placed in a holding facility in Texas. In partnership with my family & friends, we launched a social media campaign & fundraising efforts in New York City and Dallas to cover legal fees. The focus of the Dallas event was to highlight the importance of being educated of our legal rights as Latinos & informed of resources available to us. We partnered with Small Business Owners and Non-Profit Organizations to discuss Free/Affordable Immigration Resources, Access to Higher Education & the Importance of Voting.

After 8-weeks, my brother was finally released & reunited with his newly-wed wife & our family. I will forever be grateful for the continued support, from prayers to donations to volunteering, we accomplished a major feat.