Undocumented Families Are Fighting for Our Future. Will You Join Us?

Latest

Sandra Avalos protests for protections of DACA in front of the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans, Louisiana, on October 10, 2024.
Sandra Avalos protests for protections of DACA in front of the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans, Louisiana, on October 10, 2024.

As an undocumented mother, I can’t help but worry for my son’s safety first. As an organizer, my worry turns to resolve.

Editor’s note: This article was originally published at Truthout. Click Here

I sit in my living room, staring at my son’s backpack, a small reminder of the life we’ve built here, piece by piece. He’s a U.S. citizen, born and raised in a country that has always been his home. As the news blares about the election results, I think about his future. Donald Trump has won again, backed by a Congress and state-level MAGA officials ready to carry out his Project 2025 plans and mass deportation agenda. As a mother, I can’t help but worry for my son’s safety first. That’s true of all moms. We would do anything for our babies, and I fear for all the children who are at risk of seeing their parents violently targeted. But as an organizer, my worry turns to resolve. And I am fueled by the conviction to move mountains to protect myself, my son and my undocumented community.

I’ve heard Trump’s rhetoric about people like me, and I know all too well what it means when he talks about “cleaning up” our communities. For my son and me, it’s not politics; it’s the risk of separation, the looming threat of deportation, the pain of being forced apart. I am filled with a fierce determination to keep us all safe because I know that my story isn’t unique. There are countless families just like mine — mothers, fathers, children — who wake up every day, care for our communities and work to build a liberated future here.

Sandra Avalos and her son celebrate together at home.
Sandra Avalos and her son celebrate together at home.

The results of this election lay bare a truth we can’t ignore: We can never count on the federal government to prioritize the needs of families like mine. It was up to Democrats to make a compelling case to voters, to show that they’re committed to building a future where all of us — especially immigrants, people of color, LGBTQIA communities and working-class families — can thrive. But instead, they tried to meet Republicans in the middle, and in doing so, lost sight of us.

Meanwhile, Trump propelled immigration to the center of his campaign, demonizing people like me and promising to carry out mass deportations on day one.

But make no mistake: My home is here. My son’s home is here. We belong here just as much as anyone else, and we are a central part of our communities, our schools and our neighborhoods.

Sandra Avalos and her son attend a community event together.
Sandra Avalos and her son attend a community event together.

I know where I will be on day one of Trump’s presidency. I will be standing hand in hand with my undocumented community, proudly declaring that we are here to stay. This moment, however, begs the question of our allies: Where will they be on day one?

To those who are feeling despair at this moment, who are asking how it’s possible that a fascist, rapist and impeached former president has made it back to the White House, I say this: Let the rage you’re feeling catalyze you into action.

This moment requires all of us — including our allies, our friends, our neighbors, our coworkers — to step up, to make a bold public pledge to protect immigrant families like mine, and to show through action that we will not tolerate mass deportations, raids and tearing families apart. We need to fight to prevent Trump’s authoritarian vision from becoming our reality. Now, more than ever, we need all hands on deck and to remember that together, we are more powerful than Trump.

Our communities are not new to hardship — but we have survived even the harshest conditions, and in those moments, built even more power. We know how to organize, how to protect one another, how to support those facing the brunt of the threats. For every policy aimed at criminalizing us, we will respond with an even stronger commitment to our right to stay, to thrive and to raise our families without the constant threat of separation.

Sandra Avalos participates in a rally for ceasefire in Washington, D.C., on February 15, 2024.
Sandra Avalos participates in a rally for ceasefire in Washington, D.C., on February 15, 2024.

The truth is that democracy cannot survive if it is built on exclusion and division. For too long, Democrats have thought it was enough to be the party that is simply “not Trump.” They failed to show a clear, compassionate alternative. They failed to listen to the young people who begged for a future built on justice and equality. Instead, they focused on keeping moderates and Republicans comfortable — and even through that strategy, they have failed. They have left families like mine in the crossfire of Trump’s violent agenda, but we were never betting on them to save us; we have always bet on ourselves.

My community, my family, my son — they are my reasons to keep fighting. When I look at my son, I see the future of this country. I see a future where he can proudly call this place home, without fear that his mother will be torn away from him. To achieve this, we need everyone to join us. We need local electeds — from governors, to mayors, state representatives and city council members — to deliver protections for the immigrants who call their cities and states home. We need allies and neighbors to make bold commitments and to stand with us to prevent mass deportations and family separations.

Sandra Avalos stands outside the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C.
Sandra Avalos stands outside the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C.

As we face these ominous times, we are not defeated. We know there are more of us who want to see a future of compassion, unity and justice than those who want to tear us apart. So let us rise up, let us protect each other and let us build a movement that transcends borders — one that fights not just for survival but for the right to belong, to contribute and to dream. We are undocumented and unafraid, and together, we are ready to resist Trump’s agenda and fight for a world where families are never forced apart.

Our freedoms and our rights are interconnected, and that unity is our greatest strength. To those reading this, I ask: Will you join us? Will you help protect families like mine? Because we cannot afford to face this alone. We’re here, we’re ready and we’re fighting for a future that includes all of us.

This article is licensed under Creative Commons (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0), and you are free to share and republish under the terms of the license.

+ Articles by this author

Sandra Avalos is an undocumented mother and leader of United We Dream Action’s Squad.

Free to republish but please credit the People's Tribune. Visit us at www.peoplestribune.org, email peoplestribune@gmail.com, or call 773-486-3551.

The People’s Tribune brings you articles written by individuals or organizations, along with our own reporting. Bylined articles reflect the views of the authors. Unsigned articles reflect the views of the editorial board. Please credit the source when sharing: ©2024 peoplestribune.org. Please donate to help us keep bringing you voices of the movement. Click here. We’re all volunteer, no paid staff.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Featured

Fighting for Climate, Students Walk Out Over Trump

"[The student nationwide] walkouts represent a call to action for both parties," said Sunrise Youth Movement, a group that advocates for political action on climate change.

‘Organize Like Our Lives Depend On It Because They Do’

'There are no winners here, because we are all bound by our nation’s refusal to confront its own soul. This fight is not over; it’s only beginning,' says Director of Los Angeles Skid Row organization, LA CAN.

Where Do We Go From Here: It Does Matter

Those of us who have a history of being on the front lines knew this moment was coming and we’re telling ourselves it is not the time to fatigue out! We know either way it lands, that it’s in our laps and we need all boots on the ground.

Pregnant Teen Died: Seeks Care in Three Texas Emergency Rooms

Nevaeh Crain cried in pain, too weak to walk, blood staining her thighs. Vomiting and feverish at her baby shower, the teen went to two different emergency rooms, returning home, worse than before. Pregnant women have become untouchables.

No, Immigration Is Not Making Housing Less Affordable

Despite politicians' claims to the contrary, immigration is not making housing unaffordable. In fact, immigration can be part of the solution.

More from the People's Tribune