Immigration Reform - Karen Pachacama

Immigration Reform

    My intervention is about Immigration reform. I came to the United States since years ago as a resident of the United States. Four month ago I had the opportunity to take the citizenship test to become a United States citizen. Fortunately, I passed the test and now I am a Citizen of the United States. On the other hand, there are many people that don't have the same opportunity. In some cases, they try to apply for visas and don't approved. Forcing people to find other ways to migrates to the United States and support their family economically. there are many risks that people go through of the journey to the United States. For example, Some people end up dead, injured, or lose a family member.

    Most people decide to cross the border with a "coyote". A coyote is a person who smuggles immigrants across the Mexico- United States border. There are also some people that choose to immigrate to the United States by their own. They might not have enough money that coyote ask for. Also, people that immigrate without a coyote might have better chances of crossing the border. All of them know the route where they exactly have to go to get to the border. It is devastating to dee that not only adults have to go through that journey, but also children and even babies. El Dariel Gap Jungle, El Rio Bravo, La Hielera are places they have to survive to immigrate to the United States. In the El Dariel Gap Jungle people have found very dangerous and poisonous animals. El Rio Bravo can be dangerous because when it rains the river rises and for families with little kids it is more difficult trying to get them to the other side. Lastly, Border Protection Facilities, most known as "Las Hieleras" or "The Iceboxes" where women and children detained at the border will routinely spend several nights crowded into tiny rooms. They're wrapped in foil blankets, shivering, and denied mattresses and medicine. To interact with the community I placed my poster outside of my house and I ask the community that feels themselves and immigrants to sing the poster. People not only sign the poster but also I have the opportunity to heard the experience of coming to the United States