Karen Y. Martinez
“I have lived in the United States for two decades as an Undocumented Immigrant. For the last eight years, I have enjoyed the privilege of being a DACA beneficiary, which has allowed me basic human rights such as working legally, getting a driver’s license, and contributing to my family’s well being.
By the end of June, this might all change. The Supreme Court will decide if the trump administration’s reason for wanting to end DACA is unlawful.
Media representation of Undocumented people is primarily Latino, however, Black Immigrants are disproportionately impacted at a higher rate than the rest of us. The same predatory policies continue to place children in detention, putting them at risk of abuse, Covid19, malnourishment, mental health problems, and more.
Today, I ask to PROTECT IMMIGRANTS.
When we stand for those who are most vulnerable, most invisible, we look Hatred the eyes and say there is no room for you here.
They have enacted laws to persecute us, imprison us, and exploit our labor. But We see them, and we see they’re more scared of us than we could ever imagine. Who fights against human rights? Who benefits from us financially? It’s not justified.
To PROTECT IMMIGRANTS is:
• to recognize our human rights.
• to accept our integral contributions to society and its economy.
• to defund the police, ICE and other harmful institutions.
• to prevent humanity from abusing itself.
• to accept that there’s enough for everyone.
• to see us.”
BIO
Born in Hidalgo, Mexico, my family migrated to Houston when I was 10 years old. Soon, art became a tool my mother used to keep us safe and away from trouble. My artistic path began at MECA while taking dance classes under Nadia Dosal and Armando Silva. I later joined 2nd generation dance company and continued dancing through college. In 2012 I earned a BFA in Media Production at the University of Houston and began my career as a filmmaker.
OWN WORDS
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