American dream: Photos document faces of undocumented immigrants

reposted from Spec
funny stuff is highlighted in pink, and in blue, what made my stomach turn

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  Courtesy of Christian Rivera
  DARE TO DREAM | The Chicano Caucus collaborated with Teachers College in April 2013 to create a collection of photographs dedicated to the New York DREAM Act.

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Spectator Staff Writer

October 24, 1:40am

A group of eight Columbia students stands in front of Alma Mater on a sunny day. Some hint at a smile, while others stare, challenging their onlookers to question who surrounds them. In the foreground, one of them holds a sign that asks, “Do we look undocumented?” 

In April 2013, the Chicano Caucus collaborated with Teachers College and several organizations from the School of International and Public Affairs to create a collection of photographs that tells the story of the illegal immigrants in America, which came to the second floor of Casa Hispánica on Oct. 15. To demonstrate support for the New York DREAM Act, volunteers represented Dreamers—immigrants who are undocumented but were brought to the country before they were 16 and are getting a degree or serving in the military. In the end, over 40 images combined to create a powerful installation—“Somos Dreamers”—that concentrates on the humanity of the individuals demonized by some as “aliens.” 

COURTESY OF CHRISTIAN RIVERA

DREAMERS | Forty images comprise "Somos Dreamers."

Every Thursday of April 2013, members of the Chicano Caucus displayed the “Somos Dreamers” exhibit at Butler Plaza, raising awareness about the DREAM Act and the issues confronting undocumented students on campus and outside of Morningside Heights. The snapshots also demonstrate the diversity of those affected by the United States’ rigid immigration standards.

“Dreamers aren’t just Mexican,” Trinidad Reyes, CC ’15, said. “Dreamers aren’t just Hispanic. Dreamers aren’t one color.” Reyes also serves as house coordinator for Casa Latina, a special interest community housed in East Campus. 

When the initiative concluded in April, the Chicano Caucus asked Casa Latina to keep the photographs in its house for possible future use. Reyes said that the photos were being kept in a closet until Spanish professor and Casa Latina faculty adviser Juan Pablo Jiménez-Caicedo came and wanted to find a new location for them. 

“I saw those pictures, and they were great pictures to me,” Jiménez-Caicedo said. “They really caught my attention.” So he turned to Casa Hispánica to search for a space, as many of the members of Casa Latina are also pursuing a degree in his department.

Along with the photos, shocking statistics confront viewers, pairing faces and facts to make the concept of illegal immigration less foreign. According to Casa Latina member David Luna, CC ’15, the exhibit’s purpose is “at the very least getting people to think that this isn’t something that’s so far away.” 

And for one Columbian, the issue is too close to home for comfort. Israel Rodriguez, CC ’11, is a Dreamer who is currently facing deportation because of his immigration status. The Chicano Caucus and LUCHA are petitioning University President Lee Bollinger to endorse Rodriguez as a valuable member of the Columbia community, and 501 signatures support their endeavor on Change.org. 

Thanks to its jarring poignancy, “Somos Dreamers” is making its impact. As faculty members notice the collection, several have asked its organizers to lecture their classes on the DREAM Act and its implications, educating Columbians about policies that affect their classmates as well as students across the country. 

“Somos Dreamers” is on display on the second floor of Casa Hispánica, 612 W. 116th St., through Nov. 1. It will also be featured in the Lerner Party Space on Nov. 8 during the Latino Ivy League Conference.