Undocumented and exposed under a Trump presidency
By Alexa Mencia [A version of the story was originally published in The American Prospect.] Operating room nurse Jose Aguiluz knew that Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) was only a Band-Aid for his immigration problem. It wasn’t a pathway to citizenship. The benefits it offered were limited, temporary. But critically to Aguiluz, it was […]
One win for Illinois’ immigrant communities: mobilizing new citizens
By Alexa Mencia Immigrant advocates linked arms in solidarity Wednesday morning to “resist and lead” following the jarring Election Day results. Many tried to inspire a renewed call to action for those feeling defeated by Donald Trump’s victory. Although the election of a political figure notorious for anti-immigrant rhetoric may seem like a setback, immigrant […]
Election Update 2016
Take a look at Medill Reports Election Update 2016. Voting has been under way for a few hours. Our reporters talked to voters about how they’re feeling now that Election Day is finally here. More updates will be posted throughout the day. Posted at 1:50 p.m. CT
Today I’m a citizen. Today I vote.
By Alexa Mencia Is there anything more empowering than a person becoming a citizen and immediately walking over to exercise the right to vote? You decide. (Alexa Mencia/MEDILL) Photo at top: Chicagoans vote early at the 15 West Washington Street location where many newly naturalized voters marched after their naturalization ceremony on November 3. (Alexa […]
The heirloom of Mariachi music passes down through the generations
By Alexa Mencia When the Chicago Symphony Orchestra welcomed Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán, known internationally as the “World’s Best Mariachi,” last month, orchestra hall sold out. Throughout the performance, audience members would let out a joyful, high-pitched yell in excitement—a signature of mariachi music known as a grito. The ensemble itself traces its history back […]
Shena Gutierrez won’t take U.S. border officials’ ‘no’ for an answer
By Alexa Mencia [The story was republished in Truthout as Wife of Use-of-Force Victim Advocates to Hold Border Officials Accountable and on SJNN] Shena Gutierrez’s husband José almost died March 30, 2011. As the leader of a support network for those affected by U.S. border authorities’ use of force, Gutierrez knows her husband was one […]
