Since the beginning of time, people have migrated from their home lands to new territories, in search of a more sustainable and satisfying lifestyle. However, once they reach foreign lands, they realize there are new challenges that arise. The new agenda’s that form into fruition, will test one’s will power. You either fail or succeed. Listening to Bruce Springsteen’s American Land, and Moxie Raia and Wyclef Jean’s Follow Me, presented to the listener an interpretation of migrant life. Reading YBCA Zine about Favianna Rodriguez, gave me her view on the importance of immigrants being able to tell their own stories. Immigration conversations are much needed, as it brings forth understanding from a universal perspective.

Bruce Springsteen is a revered musician, whose musical catalogue has extensively impacted people for generations. In his song American land, he covers many immigration topics such as Ellis Island in NYC, a federal immigration center. He also speaks on his own Italian immigration heritage, as well the other major immigration groups (Blacks, Irish, Germans, and Jews). “The Blacks, the Irish, Italians, the Germans and the Jews
Come across the water a thousand miles from home. With nothing in their bellies but the fire down below. They died building the railroads worked to bones and skin.” Within the quote annotated above, Springsteen credits immigrants who have worked hard to build the country. Many have sacrificed their lives trying to do so. Many have came to this country with little to nothing, only to leave this world with the same.

Moxie Raia and Wyclef Jean’s Follow Me, has a visual concept to match their lyrics. Listening to the song while watching the video in the background presents empathy from the viewer. You are shown the hardships and chances thousands of refugees take to reach lands filled with better opportunity. Some images contain individuals with sorrow filled in their eyes. Other images of people who look uncertain, but have the courage to take they changes in hopes of a better tomorrow.

 

1. Why did Ellis Island close down?
2. Approximately how many grants are given to immigrants, per year, to fund their businesses?

Many undocumented immigrants come to the United States in hopes of a prosperous life, as opposed to the ones they left behind. However, what they fail to realize is, there are more loopholes and challenges that come with being an undocumented immigrant. Christina Martinez shares her heart felt, life altering story, on the Netflix series Chef’s Table. Christina captivates the audience by showing us her talents in Barbacoa, how she acquired them, and how she went on to own a business of her own. She proudly flaunts her immigration story through her voice as well as her through her food she prepares for her customers daily.

Since a young girl growing up in Central Mexico. Christina’s father used to cook Barbacoa, and from observation and practice, she learned the family skill. Years later, she would find refuge in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to an extent. She found work as chef, but language boundaries as well as the thought of being deported still lingered through her mind. She had to find a solution, quick. Christina has made many sacrifices before she came to the U.S. One was her toxic relationship with her ex husband, who subjected her to “nothing more than a worker” for his family’s Barbacoa business. Experiencing such pain from the person she loved dearly, fueled her ambition to be greatest at what she does.

Intersecting her experiences through her business, by using her food and voice to advocate for undocumented immigrants, she spreads awareness to those who might be ignorant to the facts. This is the epitome of taking an intersecting approach to understanding migration experiences. Many other immigrants follow this technique by ways of art, such as paintings, sculptures, etc. Other immigrants use social media platforms to article their intersecting approach.

There are various facets to being an immigrant, especially when it pertains to finding a job.  The language barrier plays a crucial role as well as race. According to Research: The Immigrant Income Gap, by Harvard Business Review, “People of color earn 8% less than white people.” Therefore opportunities are selective to those in which are favored by society. Many immigrants lack this type of knowledge until this reality is smacked in their faces.

1. Has Christina made amends with her ex husband?
2. Will Christina make plans to open up a second restaurant?

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