Celebrating the identities of undocumented immigrants.
My project aims to showcase who makes up the undocumented community by redefining the 9-digit alien registration number. By creating an interactive exhibition where undocumented immigrants can share their story through 9 questions, I can (1) help celebrate what has shaped the undocumented community and (2) help break the stereotypes of who makes up the undocumented community.
There are about 180,000 undocumented immigrants in Santa Clara County. Some are under DACA(Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) Protection or TPS (Temporary Protection Status). However, most undocumented immigrants are living their every day lives in fear of deportation. As “aliens” in this country, they are provided with a 9 digit alien registration number that is used to identify non U.S citizens. However, with this 9-digit number come stereotypes that hinder the reality of who makes up the undocumented community.
Every undocumented immigrant may come to the U.S with the same goal: obtaining the American Dream, however, they all share different stories. We must seek to understand those stories before forming our own opinions. Learning about who really makes up the undocumented community allows us to empathize and learn about their identities. Most importantly, the undocumented community can celebrate their stories.
An interactive exhibition that gives undocumented immigrants a platform to tell their stories and learn about other undocumented immigrants in their own community. By participating in this experience, the undocumented community can share what makes up their identity and as a result, dismantle stereotypes associated with being undocumented.
Designer
Karla Peralta
Chang Kim—Primary Advisor
Graphic Design Professor, SJSU
Connie Hwang—Secondary Advisor
Graphic Design Professor, SJSU
Ana Navarrette—Tertiary Advisor
Undocuspartan Resource Center Director, SJSU
