Finding Space in the Pandemic
Chinatown NY was formed to provide services and protection for Chinese immigrants who were barred due to discrimination.
The intersectionality of being Asian and undocumented has become increasingly significant to me during this pandemic. This year alone the current president has encouraged hate against Asians by referring to COVID-19 as “Kung-Flu” and the “Chinese Virus.” His administration has continuously made attacks on the undocumented community, including attempts to end the Deferred Action program which many undocumented immigrants, including myself, benefit from. With more reports of hate crimes committed against Asians being posted on social media and the lack of government aid towards the undocumented community, the feeling of not being welcomed set in. In this time, I found a safe space in becoming a RAISE member.
RAISE (Revolutionizing Asian American Immigrant Stories on the East Coast) is an immigrant empowerment group that amplifies the voices and stories of undocumented Asian immigrants. During this pandemic, RAISE has empowered me to advocate for my rights as an undocumented immigrant by speaking to other organizations and media about the issues that affect us, including the HEAL Act, which would grant healthcare to undocumented people. I spoke to the Princeton journalism program through RAISE and recorded a small part of an episode of Immigrantly, a podcast that discusses immigrant experiences. Speaking out while undocumented is important during this time as the Trump administration threatens the lives and narratives of many immigrants.
The community organizer also connected me with resources that allowed me to better stay in touch with my identity, such as Asian-owned businesses, creative networks, workshops, reading materials, and podcasts. These recommendations allowed me to feel more empowered in a time where this administration wants me and others like me to feel powerless.
It’s not often I find a space that allows me to be vocal about issues that affect both my Asian and undocumented identities, along with a community that understands my situation. Especially now during the pandemic, the feeling of isolation deepens when two parts of my identity are under attack. Having a safe space with RAISE allows me to navigate my sense of self and identity during this pandemic and find hope in belonging afterward.