How can a human being be illegal?
On May 2017, La Clínica del Pueblo launched its “No Human Being is Illegal” campaign inspired by Elie Wiesel (writer, Nobel Peace Prize winner and Holocaust survivor) who said: “You who are so-called illegal aliens must know that no human being is illegal. That is a contradiction in terms. Human beings can be beautiful or more beautiful, they can be fat or skinny, they can be right or wrong, but illegal? How can a human being be illegal?”
There is an increase in anti-immigration sentiment towards immigrants in the United States based on a history of exclusion and discrimination. In addition, language used to describe those with noncitizen status such as “illegal” has “criminalized” immigrants.
At La Clínica del Pueblo, we believe that Illegalization and criminalization of immigrant communities are detrimental to health. Healthcare is a human right; therefore everyone should be able to live a healthy and dignified life, regardless of citizenship status.
Today, we asked you to join us and embrace our campaign. It’s time to change the conversation. Let’s celebrate immigrants’ beauty, pride and resilience in the face of inequality and injustice.
Monarch Butterflies travel across America’s borders without visas.
Immigrant rights activists have been using the Monarch Butterfly as a symbol of peaceful migration for many generations, due its ability to freely move across borders. Monarch Butterflies cover thousands of miles throughout North America every year, spending summertime in Canada and winter in Mexico.
It takes one generation of monarchs to fly from north to south, and about five generations to fly from south to north. How new generations know how to return to their ancestral grounds is unknown. This mystery conveys the message that holding on to one’s cultural heritage across generations is a sign of strength in the midst of a long struggle. Migration is beautiful!
